Begun Bhaja
Veg
Vegan
Round brinjal slices rubbed with turmeric and salt, pan-fried or deep-fried in mustard oil until golden and caramelised — the essential daily Bengali vegetable side.
Cuisines
Bengali
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Recipe
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 25 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 1 large | eggplant (begun) |
| 1 teaspoon | turmeric powder |
| 1 teaspoon | red chili powder |
| — | salt to taste |
| 4 tablespoons | mustard oil |
| 1 tablespoon | rice flour (optional, for extra crispiness) |
Instructions
- 1 Wash the eggplant thoroughly and cut it into 1/4-inch thick round slices.
- 2 In a bowl, mix turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- 3 Coat the eggplant slices with the spice mixture evenly on both sides.
- 4 If using, sprinkle rice flour on the slices for extra crispiness.
- 5 Heat mustard oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 6 Once the oil is hot, carefully place the eggplant slices in the pan.
- 7 Fry the slices until they are golden brown on one side, then flip and fry the other side.
- 8 Remove the fried eggplant slices from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 9 Serve hot as a side dish with rice and dal.
Tips
For a smoky flavor, use mustard oil and ensure it is hot before adding the eggplant slices.