Beguni is a classic Bengali snack that brings back memories of rainy afternoons and cozy tea times. Thinly sliced eggplants are coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. It's often enjoyed with puffed rice (muri) and green chilies, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Eggplant
eggplant1
salt1tsp
For the Batter
besan (gram flour)1cup
rice flour1/4cup
turmeric powder1/2tsp
chili powder1tsp- salt1/2tsp
baking soda1/4tsp
water (approx.)3/4cup
For Frying
oil2cups
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
485.0kcal (24.25%)
Protein
7.6g (15.26%)
Carbs
24.2g (8.8%)
Sugars
0.8g (1.6%)
Healthy Fat
47.0g
Unhealthy Fat
7.6g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Beguni (Eggplant Snack)
Prepare the Eggplant
- Step 1
Wash and slice the eggplant thinly, either in round or lengthwise pieces.
- Step 2
Sprinkle a little salt over the slices and set aside for 5–10 minutes to reduce bitterness.
- Step 3
Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel.
Make the Batter
- Step 1
In a mixing bowl, combine besan, rice flour, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Step 2
Gradually add water while stirring to form a thick, smooth batter similar to pancake batter.
Fry the Beguni
- Step 1
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Step 2
Dip each eggplant slice into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Step 3
Carefully place the coated slices into the hot oil and deep fry until golden and crispy.
- Step 4
Remove the fried slices and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serve Hot
- Step 1
Serve the crispy beguni with puffed rice (muri), green chili, or a cup of tea.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
485.0kcal (24.25%)
Protein
7.6g (15.26%)
Carbs
24.2g (8.8%)
Sugars
0.8g (1.6%)
Healthy Fat
47.0g
Unhealthy Fat
7.6g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
To ensure the batter sticks well, pat the eggplant slices completely dry before dipping them.
Adjust the chili powder in the batter to suit your spice preference.
Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve even crispiness.
FAQS
Can I use any other flour instead of besan?
Besan is traditional for this recipe, but you can experiment with all-purpose flour or chickpea flour as substitutes.
How do I ensure the eggplant is not bitter?
Sprinkling salt on the slices and letting them sit for 5–10 minutes helps reduce bitterness. Pat them dry before using.
Can I bake the beguni instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, but they may not be as crunchy as the fried version.
What oil is best for frying beguni?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
It's best to prepare the batter fresh, but you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and add water just before frying.
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