Spring is almost here. But before it arrives, we always get a final snowfall. I’m just crossing my fingers and hoping that we witnessed that yesterday!
While it snowned outside, and hubby dear napped his way through the afternoon, I needed something warm. Nothing to eat or drink, but warmth for the home. I know turnin on the heat always seems as the obvious option, but not for me! When I want heat, I turn to my trusty stove. And yesterday, it was my oven that did it for me!
Growing up, I always enjoyed Baingan ka Bharta. Truly, it was a family favourite. As I grew up and moved far away from home, I craved for it. The restaurant version never seems to have the same taste as that of Mom’s recipe. So I craved it even more!
Until one day, when I decided to give a call to my Mom and asked her for the recipe. She surprised me by making it sound so simple. Well, I did give it a try, and long-distance phone calls between me and Mom discussing recipes have gone on since!
Baingan ka Bharta (Indian Roasted Eggplant)
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 mid-sized tomatoes, finely chopped 1-inch chunk of ginger, finely chopped 2-3 green chilles, finely chopped 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- fresh chopped coriander leaves, for garnish
Method:
- Make tiny slits all around the eggplant and roast in a 400 degree oven for 30-35 minutes, till eggplant gets a charred coating on all sides.
- Remove the charred skin and mash insides of the eggplant. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and saute cumin seeds, ginger and green chillies, till they begin to sizzle.
- Add in onions and fry till brown. Mix in salt, red chili powder and turmeric and fry spices till fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and cook till pulpy.
- Add mashed eggplant and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring constantly to blend in well.
- Sprinkle with garam masala and garnish with coriander leaves. Enjoy with warm, fluffy rotis.
March 20th, 2006
Haha Meena, you know I just made baingan bharta and thought hmm..maybe I should post it on my blog and here it is on your site! This is pretty much the way i made it! I love it and just like you…I asked my mom how it was made and turns out its really very simple
Thanks for dropping by my site, Kaush!
March 21st, 2006
The baingan ka bharta look yummy and as u said the procedure looks very simple. Thanx to u and ur mom for such nice recipes.
Your most welcome Priya. I do hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we all do!
March 21st, 2006
Wow that bharta looks deliciously gorgeous! And that is an interesting bowl in the picture!
Thanks GM! I love the bowl too. Ain’t it a cutie!
March 21st, 2006
That looks wonderful, Meena! I am planning to make an eggplant dish later in the week too. Now I am all the more inspired!
March 22nd, 2006
Yummy and delicious dish, yet very easy to prepare.
I love that cutie
March 24th, 2006
I discovered your site while checking the theme for next ‘Wine Blogging Wednesday.
I wrote a quick post on it today on my blog ‘Serge the Concierge’
which passed the 1 year mark this week.
Keep up the good work.
Serge
Biz:
http://www.njconcierges.com
Blog:
http://sergetheconcierge.typepad.com
March 24th, 2006
I love the new design! Congratulations
The photos are fantastic too—-Hugs,
M
March 26th, 2006
Hiya Meena …
I totally understand how you feel about cleaning prawns, despite the fact that I love eating them - I don’t clean them. My family embraced vegetarianism some years ago so when I have a prawn craving I resort to eating out.
I tried out your roasted eggplant recipe - oh my goodness - it was yummyyyyyy …
I have one question though - do you make your own garam masala powder or do you buy them off the shelf? If you made your own - would you mind sharing?
Again - I love your page - cooking just doesn’t seem so intimidating anymore.
Best wishes,
Pria
Thanks for such kind words, Pria. I just buy my garam masala from the store. I ama true believer of making my life simpler!
March 29th, 2006
oooh. that looks oh-so-goood! im gonna make one right now
March 29th, 2006
Hi Meena,
I love baingan ka bharta my mum used to add a few peas for color. I live in Germany (going on 13 years!!) and to tell you the truth I have shyed away from cooking Indian food. Although I crave for it I usually end up getting a take away, which is not so satisfying as when you’ve actually labored at it yourself. Ever since I joined the blog world (last month) I have been searching new sites and landing more and more on sites like yours, where the recipes are so easy to make and encouraging too. I need the last kick in the you know what to get me going.
Unfortunately I live in a part of Germany where getting all of the ingredients are a little difficult so, most of the time I am left thinking “ah, I’ll make pasta instead!” I hope you all will give me a little help every now and then when I need to substitute one for the other.
My blogs:
The Daily Tiffin
What’s For Lunch Honey?
The Family Buzz
Thanks for dropping in Meeta. I’ll be happy to extend my help with anything you need. Do drop by often for a chat!
March 29th, 2006
Looks yummy, will surely try it this sunday
Let me know how it goes Kusum. I’m sure they’ll turn out lovely
April 11th, 2006
Hi Meena,
I made this today - thank you so much for sharing your recipe! It was delicious. The green chilies I used were extra spicy, so I added a spoonful of plain yogurt to it (for my husband) and it ended up having a ceamy texture, which we discovered that we liked. Thanks again! Really nice job with your site.
April 20th, 2006
Yum!! This looks right up my alley. I adore eggplant and really love it when it is spicy.
-Elizabeth
(discovered your blog via Barbara’s “Spice is Right” event)
February 27th, 2007
I made this last night. Had to substitute habaneros for jalapenos, which really put some heat into it. Overall it was good, but I was making two other dishes simultaneously so I think I could’ve done better. Tasted great though!
October 11th, 2007
I am making this eggplant dish today - you are a wonderful cook, and I am happy to find your blog.
May 28th, 2008
I made this today and… mmmm!!! I usually completely mess up eggplant dishes, but this turned out quite tasty. Thanks for the recipe!
June 22nd, 2008
I am from Kerela and I’ve always wondered how they made it. I tried your recipe and it turned out really great. Thanks for sharing this with us!!!
November 1st, 2009
I tried your recipe this weekend after searching for Baingan ka Bharta online, all the while hoping it would taste something like the local Indian restaurant version that I’m addicted to. Well, it tastes just as good if not better. Your recipe is amazing! The only mod I did was to add a few bay leaves in step 6 while simmering, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. I couldn’t ask for a better first try at anything Indian! Many blessings to you for sharing, Meena.
February 19th, 2010
I followed this exact recipe and it turned out awesome. My husband WAS not a big Baingan fan till he eat this Bharta. He absolutely loved it. Thanks for sharing!
March 15th, 2010
I just noticed an error in my previous comment…I meant to say the only mod I did was to add a few green peas.
February 27th, 2011
if tomatos are not in season (and look awful at my local market!) can I substitute canned ones?
May 3rd, 2011
hey meena,
just got to know abt ur site hookedonheat.com from a magazine n believe me i found all my queries cleared on how to make some dishes better from good!!! Thanks a lot. yeah, but if u dont mind i somehow dont like the aroma of roasted eggplant. N am sure there wud be a few like minded people. so for them i’ve made a small alteration n tht is to peel n cut the large eggplant into slices and pressure cook them for about 2 -3 whistles. after the steam has escaped i run them through cold water and add them to the gravy made mashing them altogether. N when mashed nicely i add half a cup of green peas and allow them to cook covered for a minute or two so that they turn tender. Thts my way n believe me it tastes like a bharta u’ll love anytime. Thanks.