This Eggplant Begun Bhorta is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the rich tastes of Bangladeshi cuisine to your table. It's not just delicious but also a healthy choice, packed with nutrients from the fresh vegetables and spices. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant, sliced thickly
¼ cup water
Pinch of turmeric
¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 tbsp mustard seeds
½ tsp kalonji (black cumin)
¾ cup red onion, thinly sliced
5-6 green chilies, halved
4-5 large garlic cloves, smashed and thinly sliced
4-5 dry red chilies, roasted
3 tbsp onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
1 tsp mustard oil
Cook the Eggplant:
Place the eggplant slices in a cast-iron pan with ¼ cup of water, a pinch of turmeric, and ¼ tsp of salt.
Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender, flipping halfway through.
Once cooked, transfer the eggplant to a plate.
Prepare the Spices:
Clean the pan with a paper towel.
Heat 1 tbsp of mustard seeds until warm, then add ½ tsp of kalonji. Let them splatter for 10-20 seconds.
Add the ¾ cup of sliced red onion with a pinch of salt and cook until soft and color changes.
Add the green chilies and garlic, cooking until light brown.
Combine and Cook:
Add the cooked eggplant to the pan. Break and mix with a spatula over high heat until the mixture is dry.
Prepare the Chili Mix:
On a separate plate, crush the roasted dry red chilies with ¼ tsp of salt.
Add 3 tbsp of thinly sliced onion to the chili mix. The onions will turn soft.
Final Mixing:
Combine the chili mix with the eggplant mixture.
Mash well using the bottom of a glass, then mix by hand.
Finally, stir in 3 tbsp of chopped coriander and 1 tsp of mustard oil.
Serve:
The dish is best served warm and goes wonderfully with rice. It's so satisfying that you might find yourself enjoying an extra plate!
Nutritional Information: Eggplant is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The spices used, like turmeric and garlic, offer anti-inflammatory benefits and antioxidants. Mustard oil adds a unique flavor and contains healthy fats. This dish is a wholesome choice for a balanced diet.
Enjoy this delightful Eggplant Begun Bhorta for a taste of traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, bringing both health and flavor to your table!