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A quintessential Bengali delicacy, Begun Bhaja features thick slices of eggplant marinated in simple spices and shallow-fried in mustard oil until golden and crisp on the outside, and meltingly soft within. This beloved comfort food is the perfect accompaniment to a classic meal of dal and steamed rice.
Prepare the Eggplant
Marinate the Slices
Heat the Oil
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A quintessential Bengali delicacy, Begun Bhaja features thick slices of eggplant marinated in simple spices and shallow-fried in mustard oil until golden and crisp on the outside, and meltingly soft within. This beloved comfort food is the perfect accompaniment to a classic meal of dal and steamed rice.
This bengali recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 97.37 calories per serving with 2.15g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Shallow Fry the Eggplant
Drain and Serve
For a softer, batter-like coating, substitute rice flour with an equal amount of besan (gram flour). You can also add a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) to the besan for added flavor.
Make a paste of mustard seeds, poppy seeds, green chilies, and garlic. Slit the eggplant slices partially and stuff this paste before coating and frying for a more complex flavor profile.
For a lower-oil version, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the coated slices in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Eggplant contains anthocyanins, particularly nasunin, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and helping to manage blood sugar levels.
The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in eggplant can contribute to cardiovascular health. Mustard oil, used traditionally, contains beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
This usually happens if the oil isn't hot enough, causing the eggplant to absorb oil instead of frying. It can also occur if the pan is overcrowded, which lowers the oil temperature. Frying in batches and serving immediately helps maintain crispiness.
Yes, you can use semolina (sooji/rava) for an even crispier texture or gram flour (besan) for a softer, more savory coating. You can also just use the spices without any flour for a simpler version.
Begun Bhaja is a treat. While eggplant itself is low in calories and high in fiber, this dish is shallow-fried in oil, which increases its calorie and fat content. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal. Using an air fryer can significantly reduce the oil content.
A typical serving of 3 slices has approximately 150-180 calories, primarily from the eggplant and the absorbed oil. The exact number can vary based on the size of the eggplant slices and the amount of oil used.
Salting the eggplant slices and letting them rest for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps draw out excess moisture. Pat them completely dry before applying the spice mix. Also, ensuring your oil is at the correct medium-hot temperature is crucial.
It's highly recommended to serve Begun Bhaja immediately after frying to enjoy its signature crispy texture. If you must make it ahead, you can reheat it in an air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes to restore some of the crispiness.