Baingan Ka Bharta: Roughly Minced Baingan Brimming with Flavours

Baingan Bharta is a famous North Indian dish rooting from Punjab state. A smoky, simple semi-dry gravy having complex flavours prepared with aromatic whole ground spices and fire-roasted eggplant. It is renowned for its delectable bites that combine spice heat along with the zing of tamarind pulp. The smoky or charcoal taste is the highlight of this heartening  and comforting meal. The sweetness of the onions and eggplants blends well with the wonderful acidity that tomatoes add to this dish. The uncomplicated, heart-warming Baingan Ka Bharta enriches greatly from the richness and depth that garlic brings. 

As Bharta literally means mashed in Hindi, the dish is exactly what the name suggests – baingan, here, is mashed and cooked. The Portuguese berinjela is said to be the source of another ‘English’ name, brinjal. Persian Badinjan is where the word baingan originates. It is also known as aubergine in England,  eggplant in America and melanza in Italian. Facts consider Baingan as a berry rather than a vegetable. Indians proudly own the Baingan. It is an Ancient Indian vegetable, which appears in the ancient texts and had the first ever name from Sanskrit vrantakam. A millennia ago, even before the birth of Jesus Christ, India had a sophisticated cuisine with a prominent role for the Baingan. According to the majority of hypotheses, the humble vegetable journeyed from India to South-East Asia, then on to China. Therefore the baingan was well-known to those in South and East Asia by the time the rest of the world learned about it.

Prep time – 20 minutes

Cooking time – 30 minutes 

Servings – 4

Ingredients:

To Roast -

• 2 Eggplant/Brinjal/Baingan 
• 2 Tomatoes
• 2 tsp Oil 

For gravy -

• 2 tbsp Oil
• Salt, adjust to taste 
• 1 tsp Red Chilli powder
• 2 tsp Tamarind pulp
• 2 Onions, finely sliced
• 2 Garlic Cloves, grated
• 1 Green Chilli, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Coriander, fresh and finely chopped

Method:

1. Firstly, take 2 large-sized brinjals and make 3-4 slits in each. Grease the brinjal with oil and begin roasting, flipping occasionally
2. Roast until it turns brown and tender. Make sure it is completely cooked on the inside as well. Let it cool and then remove its skin
3. Now, roast tomatoes in the same manner, let it cool and peel the skin. 
4. In the same plate mash the tomato first, followed by brinjal, using a fork and a masher. Blend well and keep aside
5. Heat some oil in a large saucepan or kadhai
6. Add sliced onions and saute well until it turns translucent and golden
7. Then add finely grated garlic and green chilli. Mix well
8. Add red chilli powder along with roasted and mashed brinjal and tomato blend. Add salt and combine thoroughly
9. Mix and mash for 5 minutes or until flavours are well-combined. Then turn the flame low
10. Add tamarind pulp and fresh coriander. Stir  properly for a few seconds
11. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes and turn off the heat
12. Finally, serve and enjoy Baingan Ka Bharta!

This Baingan Ka Bharta can be served straight away with rice or soft, puffed phulkas or as a side dish too! So, prepare this delish for your loved ones.