Baingan Bharta is a popular North Indian dish made with roasted eggplant and spices. A step-by-step guide on how to make Baingan Bharta:
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant (baingan)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Roast the Eggplant:
- Place the whole eggplant directly on the flame of your gas stove or on a grill.
- Roast the eggplant, turning it occasionally, until the skin is charred and the flesh inside becomes soft and collapses. You can also roast the eggplant in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
- Remove the roasted eggplant from the flame or oven and allow it to cool. Once it's cool enough to handle, peel off the charred skin and discard it. Mash the roasted eggplant flesh well and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Base:
- Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Sauté Onions, Garlic, and Ginger:
- Add the finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pan.
- Sauté until the onions become translucent and lightly browned.
4. Add Tomatoes and Green Chilies:
- Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the pan.
- Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
5. Add Spices:
- Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Mix in Roasted Eggplant:
- Add the mashed roasted eggplant to the pan and mix well with the spiced tomato-onion mixture.
7. Simmer with Garam Masala:
- Sprinkle garam masala over the mixture and continue to cook for a few more minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and garnish Baingan Bharta with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.
Baingan Bharta is a flavorful and smoky eggplant dish that is perfect for vegetarians and eggplant lovers. Enjoy your homemade Baingan Bharta!