Hi folks, Anvita back again. Before we dive into the post, I have a story to tell. For the last 40 minutes, I have been so confused about what to write for this post. I was staring blank at the screen trying to figure out the right title for this post but I was just never convinced with anything. Finally, I just got on the phone with Soniya and we thought the title of this post should be ‘Non-Traditional Baingan Bhaja Sticks’. Oh!!! I will tell you why in just a minute. First of all, it’s the not traditional Baingan Bhaja recipe, however, it is surely inspired from the classic Bengali Begun Bhaja. For those of you who haven’t heard or tried it before (I hadn’t until after my wedding), it’s spiced eggplant discs that are deep fried. Trust me they taste yum. I confess I love those spiced eggplant discs but can’t afford all the oil so this is my variation of it. Honestly, I was introduced to this recipe by my MIL. She spent some of her teenage time in Kolkotta and that’s how she was introduced to Begun Bhaja. She often makes the traditional Baingan Bhaja but sometimes she makes this non-traditional version which I love too.
Although it’s not the traditional Baingan Bhaja, it ’s a minimalist version and still tastes super yummy and will leave you licking your fingers.Traditional Begun Bhaja is made by coating several spices like paprika, turmeric, cumin powder, dry mango powder and even garam masala. Some folks use gram flour/besan while others use rice flour to make the discs crispy. Think of it as savory and tangy eggplant sticks. In this recipe, we have used very minimal ingredients and tried to keep it low fat. Little A isn’t can’t take a lot of spicy food so I usually mellow it down for him. So for this preparation, I used only used turmeric, salt, rice flour, a little mustard oil and some lemon juice. With just 5 easily available ingredients this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. Traditionally eggplant is cut into discs however, I cut them into sticks as I was using the long Chinese Eggplant.
It doesn’t matter what variety of eggplant you use and what shape you cut it into, this recipe will taste yummy, never the less. Ofcourse feel free to add in the other spices and make this recipe your own. You won’t regret it at all. For those who follow the blog regularly will know that I didn’t start eating Eggplant until like 10 years ago. Now I love this vegetable. If you have been under estimating the flavors, then some of our recipes will change your mind. Check out our Smoky Eggplant Dip, Eggplant Stir Fry Lettuce Wraps, Roasted Eggplant & Tomato Soup after this post. Drop in your comment below and tell us if, You have tried Eggplant before? Do you make recipes with eggplant? Do you have a favorite eggplant recipe? OR do you have a recipe that your mom or MIL or Grandmother used to make that you absolutely love? For more healthy ideas and recipes subscribe to our email or follow us on Facebook to stay updated with all the healthy information we share. Check out our Pinterest boards for all the healthy eating inspiration you’ll ever need. For an unending buffet of healthy photographed food, follow us on Instagram
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