Degchi
A whole eggplant is charred over open flame until smoky and collapsed, then peeled, mashed and cooked with onion, tomato and spices. The fire-roasting is what gives this simple dish its deep, smoky soul.
Quick answer: 50 min in total · serves 4 · main ingredients: Eggplant, Cooking oil, Onion, Ginger · amounts in metric and US
Ingredients
- 1 pc 1.1 lb Eggplant, large, whole
- 3 tbsp 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 pc 1 pc Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Ginger, paste
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Garlic, paste
- 2 pc 2 pc Tomato, finely chopped
- 0.5 tsp 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Red chilli powder
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Salt, to taste
- 2 pc 2 pc Green chilli, chopped (Optional)
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Coriander, chopped, for garnish (Optional)
Steps
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- Rub the whole eggplant with a little oil and roast directly over an open flame or under a grill, turning often, until the skin is charred and the inside soft.⏱ Roasting eggplant · 15 min
- Let it cool, then peel off the charred skin and mash the flesh roughly.
- Heat oil in a pan; fry chopped onion until golden brown.⏱ Frying the onion · 5 min
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilli; cook for a minute.⏱ Frying the paste · 1 min
- Add tomato, turmeric and red chilli powder; cook until the tomato breaks down.⏱ Cooking masala · 5 min
- Add the mashed eggplant and salt; cook for 8 minutes, stirring well.⏱ Cooking bharta · 8 min
- Garnish with coriander and serve hot with roti.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Baingan Bharta take?
50 minutes in total: about 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking.
Is Baingan Bharta hard to make?
Degchi rates it easy. The method has 7 steps, and 5 of them have a timer you can start on this page.
How many people does Baingan Bharta serve?
This recipe serves 4. Use the toggle above the ingredient list to see the amounts in metric or US measures. For more or fewer portions, scale every amount in the same proportion, or use the servings control in the Degchi app.
Is Baingan Bharta halal, vegetarian or eggless?
It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.
What will I probably need to buy for Baingan Bharta?
Everyday staples that Degchi counts as pantry basics: cooking oil, turmeric, red chilli powder, salt. Fresh items you will probably need to buy: eggplant, onion, ginger, garlic, tomato.
Any tips for making Baingan Bharta?
Charring the eggplant directly on a gas flame (not boiling or baking) is essential for the dish's smoky taste.
Notes and questions
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