This is a flavorful and aromatic Indian dish made with small eggplants cooked in a rich and spicy masala. The recipe is simple yet delicious, and it brings back memories of traditional home-cooked meals. You can watch the detailed recipe on my YouTube channel, Tripti Home Kitchen, for step-by-step instructions. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner and pairs wonderfully with roti or rice.

Masala Baingan recipe

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Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
25min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

Main Ingredients

  • small size Baingan
    small size Baingan
    10
  • oil for frying
    oil for frying
    4tbsp
  • roasted peanuts
    roasted peanuts
    2tbsp
  • garlic
    garlic
    10clove
  • ginger
    ginger
    1/2in
  • coriander seeds
    coriander seeds
    1tbsp
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1/2tsp
  • red chilli powder
    red chilli powder
    1tsp
  • Water as required
    Water as required
  • oil
    oil
    3tbsp
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1/2tsp
  • dry red chillies
    dry red chillies
    2
  • bay leaf
    bay leaf
    1
  • asafoetida (Hing)
    asafoetida (Hing)
    2pinch
  • chopped onion
    chopped onion
    1
  • chopped tomato
    chopped tomato
    1
  • Salt to taste
    Salt to taste
  • chopped green chillies
    chopped green chillies
    2
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1/2tsp
  • Kasuri Methi
    Kasuri Methi
    1tsp
  • dry mango powder
    dry mango powder
    1tsp
  • chopped coriander leaves
    chopped coriander leaves

How to make Masala Baingan

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Wash the eggplants, poach them, and cut them into pieces.

  2. Step 2

    Heat oil in a pan and fry the eggplants on low flame for about five minutes. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    In a mixer jar, add roasted peanuts, garlic, ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and water. Blend into a smooth paste.

Cooking

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a kadhai and add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, bay leaf, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds.

  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion and fry until golden brown.

  3. Step 3

    Add the prepared paste and cook until the oil separates.

  4. Step 4

    Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften.

  5. Step 5

    Add hot water and the fried eggplants. Mix well and cover the kadhai. Cook on low flame for 15-20 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Finally, add garam masala, dried fenugreek leaves, dry mango powder, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and serve hot.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

167.6kcal (8.38%)

Protein

2.5g (5.1%)

Carbs

4.0g (1.44%)

Sugars

0.5g (1.06%)

Healthy Fat

15.0g

Unhealthy Fat

2.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the eggplants are fresh and tender for the best taste.

  2. Roasting the peanuts enhances their flavor, so don't skip this step.

  3. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by modifying the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.

  4. Cook the masala until the oil separates for a richer flavor.

  5. Serve with roti, paratha, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

FAQS

  1. Can I use large eggplants instead of small ones?

    Small eggplants are preferred for this recipe as they cook faster and absorb the flavors better. However, you can use large eggplants if you cut them into smaller pieces.

  2. Can I skip peanuts in the recipe?

    Peanuts add a nutty flavor and texture to the dish, but you can skip them or replace them with cashews if you have a nut allergy.

  3. What can I serve Masala Baingan with?

    Masala Baingan pairs well with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.

  4. How do I store leftover Masala Baingan?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

  5. Can I make this dish less spicy?

    Yes, you can reduce the amount of red chili powder and green chilies to make the dish less spicy.

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Tripti Bhalotia

(@triptibhalotia)

Welcome to my Chefadora Page — where flavors meet comfort! I’m Tripti, your culinary guide sharing simple, soulful recipes from savory bites to sweet indulgences.

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