Begun Bhaja is a popular Bengali meal that involves marinating eggplant slices in spices, coating them in gram flour (besan), and then frying them till they are crispy and golden brown. It’s sure to be a mouthwatering treat. A mainstay in Bengali cuisine, this meal is known for its aromatic spices, crunchy texture, and basic yet tasty ingredients.
The first step in making Begun Bhaja is coating fresh slices of eggplant with a spice blend that includes turmeric, chili powder, salt, and perhaps a touch of mango powder (amchur) for a tangy bite. Fry the eggplant slices until they are crisp and brown, and the spices impart flavor while drawing off extra moisture.
After seasoning the eggplant slices, sprinkle them in gram flour (besan). When cooked, this adds a light and crispy feel to the meal. The besan not only forms a tasty crust around the eggplant slices, but it also aids in preserving the spice flavor.
Coated eggplant slices are shallow-fried in hot oil until the exterior is golden brown and crispy and the interior is soft and delicate. The eggplant gets its soothing and addicting deep smokey flavor from frying.
Begun Bhaja Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant brinjal/aubergine
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup gram flour besan
- Oil for shallow frying
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish optional
- Lemon wedges for serving optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
- Wash the eggplant thoroughly under running water and pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
- Trim off the stem end of the eggplant and slice it into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Ensure uniform thickness for even cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Eggplant Slices
- In a bowl, combine turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt to make a spice mixture.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the eggplant slices, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 3: Coat the Eggplant Slices with Gram Flour
- Place the gram flour (besan) in a shallow plate or bowl.
- Coat each marinated eggplant slice with a thin layer of gram flour on both sides, pressing gently to adhere the flour to the slices.
Step 4: Fry the Eggplant Slices
- Heat oil in a frying pan or skillet over medium heat for shallow frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated eggplant slices in a single layer in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Fry the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spatula to flip the slices halfway through the cooking process for even frying.
- Once fried, remove the crispy eggplant slices from the pan and drain excess oil by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the fried eggplant slices to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve hot Begun Bhaja as an appetizer or side dish alongside rice and dal or as a crunchy snack.
- Optionally, serve with lemon wedges on the side for added zest.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Choosing Eggplant: Select firm and glossy eggplants without any blemishes or soft spots for the best results.
- Uniform Slicing: Ensure that the eggplant slices are of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice preference.
- Gram Flour Coating: The gram flour (besan) coating adds a crispy texture to the eggplant slices. Ensure each slice is evenly coated for uniform frying.
- Shallow Frying: Shallow frying preserves the texture and flavor of the eggplant slices while minimizing the amount of oil used.
Hot Begun Bhaja is a common accompaniment to rice and lentils (dal) or a main course in traditional Bengali cuisine. A spoonful of sour chutney or creamy yogurt is a great complement, cutting through the richness of the fried eggplant.
The appetizing crunch and fragrant spices of Begun Bhaja will tantalize your taste buds whether you eat it on its own or incorporate it into a celebratory feast. Get everything you need, and get ready to taste the real Bengali tastes in every mouthful!