🇮🇳 Indian Vegetarian

Begun Bhaja

Name: Begun Bhaja
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste; 1/2 tsp Garam Masala; 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi; to taste Salt; 1, finely chopped Onion; 2, chopped Tomato; 1-2, slit Green Chili; 1 tsp Cumin Seeds; 3 tbsp Ghee; 1 tsp Coriander Powder; 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder; 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil; 2 medium (300 g), cubed Eggplant; 1 tsp Red Chili Powder; 1 tsp Mustard Oil

🇮🇳 Indian

Bengali eggplant slices fried in mustard oil till the edges caramelise. The kind of homely bhaji that disappears fastest off the thali. Best mopped up with hot chapatis straight off the flame.

Prep 12 min Cook 30 min Serves 4 Easy

Ingredients

Ginger Garlic Paste1 tbsp
Garam Masala1/2 tsp
Kasuri Methi1 tbsp
Saltto taste
Onion1, finely chopped
Tomato2, chopped
Green Chili1-2, slit
Cumin Seeds1 tsp
Ghee3 tbsp
Coriander Powder1 tsp
Turmeric Powder1/2 tsp
Vegetable Oil2 tbsp
Eggplant2 medium (300 g), cubed
Red Chili Powder1 tsp
Mustard Oil1 tsp

Optional extras

Fresh Cilantro2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

1
Dice the eggplant uniformly, toss with a pinch of salt and let it sit while the masala comes together.
2
Warm the oil, add cumin and a pinch of asafoetida, then the onions — cook till bronzed at the edges.
3
Add ginger garlic paste, cook out the raw smell, then bloom the turmeric, chili and coriander in the oil.
4
Add the eggplant and the mustard oil, toss to coat in the masala, cover and cook on low, stirring twice, until tender.
5
Finish with garam masala, cilantro and a knob of butter for gloss.

Chef's tip

Fresh spices make the dish — if yours smell of nothing, the dish will taste of nothing.

Cook it with your pantry → Share this page: /dish/30138

Watch how it's made

Video: Begun Bhaja | Bengali Fried Eggplant/Brinjal · on YouTube