Bhaigan Bhurta ( Eggplant Curry )
Servings: 2 -3
Easy Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant Masala ) is an Indian side dish made with smoked egg plant and spices. It tastes great with roti.
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Large Egg plant 350 - 375 gms
- 2 medium Onion chopped
- 2 tsp each Crushed ginger & garlic
- 2 - 3 Green chilli chopped
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 2.5 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp Garam masala
- 1 medium - big Tomato chopped
- 10 Cashew nuts soaked in 2 tbsp hot water for 10 mins and ground to a smooth paste
- Salt
- 1 - 2 tbsp Oil / Ghee
- 2 tbsp Chopped coriander leaves
Instructions
- Smear 1 tsp ghee (refer notes) & salt over egg plant & roast on a gas flame till its skin is charred. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 15 - 20 mins or till it's cool enough to touch. Remove the skin and mash the flesh.
- Heat oil / ghee in a pan & cook onion until it browns.
- Add crushed ginger & garlic and chopped green chillies. Cook for 3-4 mins, till the raw smell goes.
- Add all spice powders (turmeric, coriander, cumin and garam masala). Fry till raw smell goes and oil starts appearing, 3-4 mins. Add 1 - 2 tbsp of hot water to bring together the masala.
- Add chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook till tomatoes softens.
- Add mashed egg plant and mix well.
- Add 1/2 - 3/4 cup water, bring to boil. Reduce flame to lowest, cover and cook for 6 - 8 mins, till the gravy becomes thick.
- Add cashew paste to the masala and mix well. Cook for 3-4 mins.
- Add chopped coriander leaves and mix. Remove the curry from fire and let it rest for half an hour or so before serving. Serve with rice or roti.
Notes
Though you can use oil to smear the eggplant before roasting, I recommend using ghee. Ghee will add more flavor to the roasted eggplant.
Cashew paste is added for a creamier texture and for a rich masala. If you want, you can skip it.