Eggplant (Aubergine) Bharta Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the flavors of India with this Eggplant Bharta recipe! Perfectly roasted eggplant, combined with aromatic spices and herbs, creates a dish bursting with flavor and nutrition. This vegan and low-cholesterol dish is a healthy addition to any meal, and it’s ready in less than 60 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants
- 1 onion
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 green chilies
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp oil (for roasting)
- 1 tbsp oil (for frying)
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 115.8
- Fat: 3.9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 590.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.3g
- Fiber: 8.8g
- Sugar: 8.2g
- Protein: 3.4g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise. |
| 2. | Rub some oil over the cut side of the eggplant halves. |
| 3. | Roast or broil the eggplant halves until the skin is lightly burned, and the eggplant is completely soft. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes. |
| 4. | Once roasted, peel the eggplant and discard the skins. |
| 5. | Put the eggplant pulp into a bowl and mash it thoroughly with a potato masher. |
| 6. | Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, sliced green chilies, salt, chopped cilantro, and 1/2 tsp of oil to the mashed eggplant. Mix all the ingredients together very well. |
| 7. | Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over medium heat. |
| 8. | Add the eggplant mixture to the pan and fry for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fairly dry. |
| 9. | Once cooked, remove from heat and transfer the Eggplant Bharta to a serving dish. |
| 10. | Serve the Eggplant Bharta alone as a flavorful side dish or with steamed basmati rice for a complete meal. Enjoy! |
Tips:
- Choose eggplants that are firm and heavy for their size, with smooth and shiny skin, to ensure freshness and optimal flavor.
- Adjust the quantity of green chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder version, remove the seeds before adding them to the dish.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro before serving to enhance the dish’s aroma and presentation.
Recipe Notes:
Eggplant Bharta is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables like tomatoes or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Additionally, you can incorporate spices such as cumin, coriander, or garam masala for an extra burst of Indian-inspired taste. This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.
