Goan Style Brinjal Bharta Recipe
Discover the authentic and smoky flavors of the Goan kitchen with this Goan Style Brinjal Bharta Recipe! Traditionally cooked by roasting brinjals on charcoal, this dish is an earthy, comforting addition to any lunch spread. While charcoal roasting lends a unique aroma, brinjals can also be grilled or roasted directly over a gas flame using a wired mesh, as done in this recipe. Perfectly spiced and wonderfully smoky, this vegetarian recipe pairs beautifully with steamed rice and other Goan favorites.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Goan Recipes |
| Course | Lunch |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Baingan/Eggplant) | 1 large |
| Onions, finely chopped | 2 |
| Green Chillies, chopped | 2 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coconut, grated | 2 tablespoons |
| Tamarind Ball (marble-sized) | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 75 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Brinjal:
- Clean the brinjal thoroughly and make 4 to 5 deep slits, ensuring the brinjal stays intact.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and switch off the heat. Using a brush or spoon, coat the brinjal with the warm oil.
-
Cook the Brinjal:
- Place the brinjal in the same pan and cover it with a lid.
- After 2 minutes, remove the lid and carefully turn the brinjal to cook the other side.
- When the brinjal is slightly cooked, insert the marble-sized tamarind ball into one of the slits. Cover the pan again.
-
Roast and Turn:
- Continue turning the brinjal at intervals to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides. This process may take around 25–35 minutes.
- Once fully cooked, the brinjal will turn soft, brown, and release water. Remove it from heat and keep it covered until it cools down.
-
Peel and Mash:
- Once the brinjal has cooled, gently peel off and discard the skin.
- Mash the roasted brinjal pulp in a bowl using a fork or your hands until smooth.
-
Assemble the Bharta:
- Add the finely chopped onions and green chillies to the mashed brinjal.
- Stir in the grated coconut, tamarind paste, and salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Finally, add the finely chopped coriander leaves and give it a final mix.
- Serve the Goan Style Brinjal Bharta alongside steamed rice, Goan Moolyacho Ross, and Amlechi Uddamethi for a delicious and comforting lunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this smoky and tangy bharta with Steamed Rice and traditional Goan curries like Moolyacho Ross (radish curry) and Amlechi Uddamethi (Goan mango curry).
- For an extra burst of flavor, enjoy it with a drizzle of coconut oil or a side of freshly made chapati.
Enjoy this delightful taste of Goa, where simplicity meets bold, rustic flavors!
