Aloo Baingan Chokha
A rustic and smoky mash of fire-roasted eggplant and boiled potatoes, blended with pungent mustard oil and fresh spices. This authentic Bihari delight is the perfect companion for litti or hot rotis.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Cook the Vegetables
- b.Wash the eggplant and tomato. Pat them dry. Using a knife, make 3-4 deep slits in the eggplant. Stuff 2 whole garlic cloves into the slits. This infuses a beautiful roasted garlic flavor.
- c.Grease the outside of the eggplant and tomato with 1 tsp of vegetable oil.
- d.Roast the eggplant and tomato directly on a medium gas flame, using a wire rack if you have one. Turn them occasionally using tongs until the skin is completely blackened and charred, and the flesh feels soft and pulpy when pressed. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
- e.Simultaneously, boil the potatoes in a pot of water or a pressure cooker until they are fully cooked and tender. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Peel and Mash
- b.Once roasted, place the eggplant and tomato in a bowl and cover it for 5-7 minutes. The trapped steam will make them easier to peel.
- c.When cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the charred skin from the eggplant and tomato. Discard the stem of the eggplant.
- d.Peel the boiled potatoes.
- e.In a large mixing bowl, add the roasted eggplant pulp (including the roasted garlic cloves), roasted tomato pulp, and boiled potatoes. Using a potato masher or your clean hands, mash everything together into a coarse, rustic mixture.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Season
- b.To the mashed vegetables, add the finely chopped onion, the remaining 3 finely chopped raw garlic cloves, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies.
- c.Pour in the pungent mustard oil, add the chopped coriander leaves, lemon juice, and salt to taste.
- d.Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Using your hands is the traditional and best way to ensure all the flavors meld together perfectly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Taste the chokha and adjust the salt, lemon juice, or chili as needed.
- c.Serve immediately while warm, or at room temperature, with traditional litti, hot rotis, parathas, or as a side dish with a simple dal and rice meal.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic smoky flavor, roast the eggplant over a charcoal fire or use the 'dhungar' (smoke infusion) method with a hot piece of charcoal.
- 2Do not skip the raw mustard oil; its pungent flavor is the soul of this Bihari dish.
- 3Inserting garlic cloves into the eggplant before roasting adds a deep, sweet, and smoky garlic flavor throughout the mash.
- 4Placing the hot roasted vegetables in a covered bowl for a few minutes makes the skin much easier to peel off.
- 5Mashing with your hands, as is traditionally done, helps to better incorporate the flavors and achieve the perfect rustic texture.
- 6Adjust the amount of raw garlic and green chilies to control the pungency and spice level to your liking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Ingredient Addition
For a different texture and flavor, you can add a handful of chopped spring onions along with the regular onions.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
Add a pinch of 'panch phoron' (Bengali five-spice blend) to the mustard oil before mixing it in for a more complex aroma.
Serving SuggestionServing Suggestion
Use the leftover chokha as a delicious and smoky stuffing for sandwiches or parathas.
Healthier TwistHealthier Twist
To reduce the pungency and make it lighter, you can gently warm the mustard oil until it just starts to smoke before adding it to the chokha.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Eggplant is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
The dish contains numerous vegetables like eggplant, tomato, onion, and garlic, which are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Mustard oil, used in moderation, contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Boosts Immunity
The raw garlic and ginger used in the chokha are known for their potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help strengthen the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Aloo Baingan Chokha contains approximately 190-210 calories per serving (about 1 cup), primarily from the potatoes and mustard oil. It's a relatively low-calorie side dish.