Smoky Eggplant Mash (Baingan Ka Bharta)
Experience the rich and smoky flavors of this traditional Indian-Punjabi dish, Baingan Ka Bharta. This delightful vegetarian recipe features roasted eggplant blended into a spicy, flavorful mash with the warmth of aromatic spices, fresh ginger, and a medley of vegetables. Perfectly paired with Indian flatbreads like Parathas or Roti, this dish is a staple in Punjabi cuisine, bringing comfort and taste to your table. Share it at family gatherings or impress your guests with its irresistible flavor!
6
Servings
45
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (big & fat, greased and pierced)
onions
5-6 (finely chopped)
green chilies
7-8
fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (fine cut)
tomatoes
5-6 (finely chopped)
red chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons
dhania powder (coriander)
2 teaspoons
salt
to taste
oil
2-3 tablespoons
jeera powder (cumin seeds)
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
coriander leaves
for garnish (coarsely chopped)
garam masala powder
1 teaspoon
hing (Asafoetida)
1 pinch
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to broil on high. Grease the eggplant with a light coating of oil and pierce it 2 or 3 times with a fork to prevent it from bursting.
2
Place the eggplant on a baking sheet and broil it in the oven. Keep a watchful eye on it, turning occasionally until the skin is charred, blistered, and begins to crack, giving it a delicious smoky flavor.
3
Once the eggplant is roasted, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Under cold running water, peel off the blackened skin, and then mash the eggplant to your desired consistency, depending on whether you want the seeds to remain or be removed.
4
In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the asafoetida (hing) and cumin seeds. Sauté for about a minute until the cumin turns darker and fragrant.
5
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and cook until they turn a light golden brown. Then, introduce the chopped green chilies and ginger, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6
Incorporate the finely chopped tomatoes into the mixture, stirring well. Cook until the masala thickens and oil separates, signaling that it is ready.
7
Mix in the red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt, followed by the mashed eggplant. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together. Crush the eggplant further while cooking to integrate it thoroughly into the onion and tomato blend.
8
Continue to sauté on medium heat to enhance the flavors, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes.
9
Finally, sprinkle garam masala and mix well. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with Parathas or Roti for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
6g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Eggplant Mash (Baingan Ka Bharta)?
It is a traditional Indian-Punjabi vegetarian dish featuring roasted eggplant blended into a spicy mash with aromatic spices, ginger, and vegetables.
How many servings does this Baingan Ka Bharta recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this eggplant mash contains approximately 45 calories.
How do you achieve the smoky flavor in the eggplant?
The smoky flavor is achieved by broiling the eggplant until the skin is charred, blistered, and begins to crack.
What type of eggplant should I use?
The recipe recommends using one big and fat eggplant.
Why do you need to pierce the eggplant before roasting?
Piercing the eggplant 2 or 3 times with a fork prevents it from bursting while roasting in the oven.
How do you peel the roasted eggplant?
Once the roasted eggplant has cooled slightly, peel off the blackened skin under cold running water.
How many onions are required for this recipe?
You will need 5 to 6 finely chopped onions.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it includes 7 to 8 green chilies and 1 1/2 teaspoons of red chili powder, giving it a spicy kick.
What are the key spices used in the mash?
The key spices include cumin seeds, asafoetida (hing), red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2g of fat.
How much ginger is needed for Baingan Ka Bharta?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely cut fresh ginger.
How many tomatoes are used in this dish?
You will need 5 to 6 finely chopped tomatoes.
What should I serve with Smoky Eggplant Mash?
It is best served hot with Indian flatbreads like Parathas or Roti.
How long should I sauté the final mixture?
Continue to sauté on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes to enhance the flavors.
When should the garam masala be added?
Garam masala should be sprinkled and mixed well at the very end of the cooking process.
What is the garnish for this dish?
Garnish the dish with fresh, coarsely chopped coriander leaves.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 1g of protein.
What is Hing and how much is used?
Hing (Asafoetida) is a spice used for flavoring; the recipe uses 1 pinch.
How should the onions be cooked?
Cook the finely chopped onions until they turn a light golden brown.
Can I remove the seeds from the eggplant?
Yes, you can choose to remove or keep the seeds while mashing, depending on your preference.
What is the role of cumin seeds in this recipe?
Cumin seeds are sautéed at the beginning until they turn darker and fragrant to build the flavor base.
How do you know when the tomato masala is ready?
The masala is ready when it thickens and the oil separates from the mixture.
What temperature should the oven be for roasting?
The oven should be set to broil on high.
How much coriander powder is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dhania (coriander) powder.
How much oil is used for the entire recipe?
The recipe requires 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil.
Is there any cholesterol in this dish?
Based on the provided information, the cholesterol content is not listed or is negligible.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include baingan ka bharta, indian cuisine, vegetarian, punjabi recipes, and comfort food.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for this dish.