How do I properly roast eggplants for Baingan Bharta?

To roast eggplants for Baingan Bharta, wash and dry them, then brush with oil. Place them on a wire mesh over high heat and roast for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. You can check doneness by inserting a knife; it should slide in easily.

Can I make Baingan Bharta vegan or gluten-free?

Yes, Baingan Bharta is naturally vegan as it primarily consists of eggplants, tomatoes, and spices. To make it gluten-free, simply serve it with gluten-free flatbreads like rice roti or corn tortillas instead of traditional wheat-based rotis or parathas.

What can I substitute for ghee in Baingan Bharta?

If you want to substitute ghee in Baingan Bharta, you can use any neutral cooking oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil. For a richer flavor, you might also consider using coconut oil or vegan butter.

How should I store leftover Baingan Bharta?

To store leftover Baingan Bharta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What dishes pair well with Baingan Bharta?

Baingan Bharta pairs beautifully with hot rotis, parathas, or naan. You can also serve it alongside rice dishes like jeera rice or plain basmati rice, and complement it with a side of yogurt or raita for a refreshing contrast.

Baingan Bharta (Fire-Roasted Eggplant Mash)

Name: Baingan Bharta (Fire-Roasted Eggplant Mash)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 500 g Eggplants (large); 2.5 tbsp Cooking Oil; 1.5 Medium Onions (sliced); 2 Green Chillies (chopped); 3 Medium Tomatoes (chopped); 1 tbsp Water; 0.5 tsp Red Chilli Powder; 1 tbsp Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder; 1 tbsp Coriander Powder (coarsely ground); 1 tsp Salt; 0.25 tsp Garam Masala; 1 tbsp Ghee (optional); Coriander Leaves (for garnishing)

Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

5.0

From 4 ratings

Indian Lunch Vegetarian Vegan Dairy-Free Gluten-Free

Baingan Bharta, or eggplant mash, is a traditional North-Indian dish. The smoky flavour of the fire-roasted eggplants and the tartness of tomatoes give it an interesting combination of flavours. Serve with hot rotis or parathas for an authentic Punjabi experience!

Baingan Bharta (Fire-Roasted Eggplant Mash) recipe

Prep Time

15min

Cook Time

20min

Total Time

35min

How to make Baingan Bharta (Fire-Roasted Eggplant Mash)

Step 1
Wash the eggplants and pat them dry.
Step 2
Brush them with oil on all sides.
Step 3
Place the eggplants on a wire mesh and roast them on high heat for 8-10 minutes. Keep turning the eggplants with a tong till they are evenly roasted.
Step 4
To check if the eggplants are done, insert a knife in them. The knife should smoothly slide in without any force.
Step 5
Transfer the eggplants to a bowl of water and let them cool for 5 minutes.
Step 6
Once cooled, remove the charred skin of the eggplants by gently pulling the skin with your hands.
Step 7
Once cooled, remove the charred skin of the eggplants by gently pulling the skin with your hands.
Step 8
Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add sliced onions and green chillies.
Step 9
Sauté the onions for about 3 minutes till they are translucent and slightly brown on the edges.
Step 10
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes till they are soft. Stir the mixture occasionally.
Step 11
Add 1 tbsp of water to the pan.
Step 12
Now add red chilli powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder and salt and mix nicely for another minute till oil separates from the mixture and leaves the sides of the pan.
Step 13
Add the mashed eggplant and stir. Reduce the flame, cover the pan and cook for 5-8 minutes. Stir occasionally at frequent intervals to avoid the eggplant mixture sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 14
Add garam masala, chopped coriander leaves and 1 tbsp of ghee. Mix well and cover the pan.
Step 15
Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Step 16
Serve hot with roti or paratha.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

180.0kcal (9%)

Protein

3.3g (6.5%)

Carbs

17.0g (6.18%)

Sugars

7.0g (14%)

Healthy Fat

12.6g

Unhealthy Fat

5.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

You can use ghee or mustard oil to cook this recipe. However, I prefer to use canola oil.

FAQS

How do I properly roast eggplants for Baingan Bharta?
To roast eggplants for Baingan Bharta, wash and dry them, then brush with oil. Place them on a wire mesh over high heat and roast for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. You can check doneness by inserting a knife; it should slide in easily.
Can I make Baingan Bharta vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, Baingan Bharta is naturally vegan as it primarily consists of eggplants, tomatoes, and spices. To make it gluten-free, simply serve it with gluten-free flatbreads like rice roti or corn tortillas instead of traditional wheat-based rotis or parathas.
What can I substitute for ghee in Baingan Bharta?
If you want to substitute ghee in Baingan Bharta, you can use any neutral cooking oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil. For a richer flavor, you might also consider using coconut oil or vegan butter.
How should I store leftover Baingan Bharta?
To store leftover Baingan Bharta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What dishes pair well with Baingan Bharta?
Baingan Bharta pairs beautifully with hot rotis, parathas, or naan. You can also serve it alongside rice dishes like jeera rice or plain basmati rice, and complement it with a side of yogurt or raita for a refreshing contrast.

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