Royal Baingan Bharta (Creamy Roasted Mashed Eggplant Delight)
Indulge in the flavorful richness of Royal Baingan Bharta, a traditional North Indian recipe that brings together the smokiness of roasted eggplants and the warmth of spices. This creamy roasted mashed eggplant dish is enhanced with aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, and a touch of heavy cream, creating a luxurious dip or side dish that pairs beautifully with naan or rice. Perfect for festive occasions or family dinners, this dish is not only a treat for the palate but also a delightful way to enjoy eggplants in a new and exciting way.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 large (pricked, roasted, peeled, and mashed)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for roasting and sautéing)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
green chilies
2 (chopped)
ground coriander
2 teaspoons (dry spice)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (dry spice)
garam masala
1/2 teaspoon (dry spice)
chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (dry spice)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (dry spice)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
tomatoes
1 large (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped for garnish)
heavy cream
3-4 tablespoons (for creaminess)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the large eggplant with a fork in several places to allow steam to escape during roasting.
2
Lightly coat the eggplant with vegetable oil, and place it directly on the oven rack. Roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is charred and the flesh is very soft and yielding to pressure.
3
Once roasted, carefully remove the eggplant from the oven and allow it to cool. Once cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh, peel off the skin, and mash the eggplant pulp until smooth.
4
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, stirring frequently.
5
Add the minced garlic and chopped green chilies, and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6
Sprinkle in the ground coriander, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, paprika, and salt to taste; stir well and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
7
Introduce the chopped tomatoes to the mixture, cooking and stirring frequently for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes turn soft and pulpy.
8
Carefully fold in the roasted eggplant pulp, mixing well with the spiced tomato base. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors.
9
Finish by stirring in the heavy cream, blending it into the bharta for a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
10
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving, and enjoy warm with naan, roti, or rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Royal Baingan Bharta?
Royal Baingan Bharta is a traditional North Indian recipe that combines smoky roasted eggplants with aromatic spices and heavy cream for a luxurious texture.
How do I roast the eggplant for this recipe?
Prick the eggplant with a fork, coat it with vegetable oil, and roast it directly on an oven rack at 400°F (200°C) until the skin is charred.
What is the recommended roasting temperature?
The recipe recommends preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the eggplant.
How long does it take to roast the eggplant?
It typically takes about 30-40 minutes for the eggplant skin to char and the flesh to become soft.
What should I do after the eggplant is roasted?
Once cooled, scoop out the flesh, peel off the charred skin, and mash the eggplant pulp until smooth.
What kind of oil should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for both the roasting and the sautéing process.
What aromatics are needed for the base?
The base requires one chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, and two chopped green chilies.
What dry spices are included in this Baingan Bharta?
The spice blend includes ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, chili powder, and paprika.
How many tomatoes are used in the dish?
The recipe uses one large chopped tomato which is cooked until soft and pulpy.
When do I add the heavy cream?
The heavy cream is added at the end of the cooking process to provide a creamy, rich texture.
What is used to garnish the dish?
The dish is finished with a garnish of 1/2 cup of freshly chopped cilantro.
What can I serve with Royal Baingan Bharta?
This dish pairs beautifully with traditional Indian breads like naan or roti, or can be served with rice.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Royal Baingan Bharta is a vegetarian dish.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 and 6 people.
Why is the eggplant pricked with a fork before roasting?
Pricking the eggplant allows steam to escape during the roasting process, preventing it from bursting.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This is a traditional North Indian cuisine dish.
How much garam masala is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala for flavor.
How long do the tomatoes need to cook?
The tomatoes should be cooked and stirred for about 10 minutes until they are soft.
How long should the final mixture simmer?
After adding the eggplant to the spice base, let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the eggplant peeled before roasting?
No, the eggplant is roasted with its skin on and peeled only after it has cooled down.
How much ground coriander is used?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of ground coriander.
What does the term 'Bharta' mean?
In the context of this dish, 'Bharta' refers to a mashed preparation of vegetables, in this case, eggplant.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of green chilies and chili powder to suit your spice preference.
How much heavy cream is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 3-4 tablespoons of heavy cream for the final finish.
What is the amount of ground cumin needed?
One teaspoon of ground cumin is required for this recipe.
Is paprika necessary?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to add color and a mild flavor to the bharta.
Can this dish be served at parties?
Yes, it is described as perfect for festive occasions or family dinners due to its rich and creamy nature.
What color should the onions be when sautéed?
The onions should be sautéed until they are golden brown.
How much chili powder is in the dish?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder for a hint of heat.