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Baingan Bharta
Indian 30 min Medium

Baingan Bharta

Smoky mashed aubergine cooked with onion and tomato.

Origin & Story

Baingan bharta is a rustic North Indian dish where whole aubergines are charred until smoky, then mashed and cooked with spices, prized for its deep smokiness.

Main Spices & Their Role

Cumin

The savoury base note.

Red chilli powder

Adds warmth and colour.

Garam masala

Rounds out the finished dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 large aubergine
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt
  • Coriander

Method

  1. 01

    Char the whole aubergine over a flame or in a dry pan until soft; peel and mash.

  2. 02

    Heat oil and crackle cumin, then cook the onion until golden.

  3. 03

    Add tomato, chilli powder and salt; cook until soft.

  4. 04

    Stir in the mashed aubergine and cook 5 minutes.

  5. 05

    Finish with garam masala and coriander.

Veg & Vegan Alternatives

Vegetarian

This dish is already vegetarian.

Vegan

Already vegetarian and vegan — cook in oil (not ghee/butter) to keep it fully plant-based.

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Created by Aarav Gautam