Maharashtrian Brinjal Bharit
A wonderfully smoky and savory dish from Maharashtra, where large eggplants are flame-roasted, mashed, and cooked with crunchy peanuts, onions, and a special blend of goda masala. It's a rustic and comforting side dish, perfect with bhakri or chapati.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the Brinjal
- b.Wash the brinjal and pat it completely dry. Make 3-4 deep slits into it with a knife.
- c.Rub 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil all over the brinjal's skin.
- d.Place the brinjal directly on a medium gas flame. Roast, turning it every few minutes with tongs, until the skin is completely charred and the flesh is soft and cooked through. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
- e.Once roasted, place it in a bowl and cover it. Let it cool down for 10 minutes; this helps steam the skin, making it easier to peel.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Brinjal Pulp
- b.Once the brinjal is cool enough to handle, gently peel off all the charred skin. Discard the skin and the stem.
- c.Place the cooked pulp in a bowl and mash it well with a fork or a potato masher. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the Tempering and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan (kadai) over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add the cumin seeds and hing, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Spices
- b.Lower the heat and add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and goda masala.
- c.Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute until the raw smell of the spices disappears and the oil starts to separate.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Finish the Bharit
- b.Add the mashed brinjal pulp to the pan, along with the coarsely crushed peanuts, grated jaggery, and salt.
- c.Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients with the masala.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Serve the Maharashtrian Brinjal Bharit hot with jowar bhakri, bajra bhakri, or chapati.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best smoky flavor, roast the brinjal on a direct gas flame. If you don't have one, you can roast it in an oven at 200°C (400°F) for 30-40 minutes, until soft, though it will lack the distinct smoky taste.
- 2Choose a large, lightweight brinjal with smooth, shiny skin. Heavier brinjals often contain more seeds, which can make the bharit bitter.
- 3Making slits in the brinjal not only helps it cook faster but also allows you to check for any insects inside before roasting.
- 4Don't skip the jaggery; it's a small amount but crucial for balancing the spicy, tangy, and savory flavors of the dish.
- 5If you don't have goda masala, you can use garam masala as a substitute, but the flavor profile will be different from the authentic Maharashtrian version.
- 6Crush the roasted peanuts just before adding them to retain their crunchy texture in the final dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Spring Onions
Substitute regular onion with 1 cup of chopped spring onions (both whites and greens). Add the whites with the tempering and the greens at the end for a fresh, sharp flavor.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a tangier and creamier texture, stir in 2 tablespoons of thick curd (yogurt) after turning off the heat. Mix well before serving.
No Onion/Garlic VersionNo Onion/Garlic Version
For a sattvic or Jain-friendly version, simply omit the onion and ginger-garlic paste. You can add a pinch more hing to compensate for the flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/4 teaspoon of dry ginger powder (sunth) along with the other spices for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Brinjal is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes bowel regularity, and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Packed with Antioxidants
Brinjal contains antioxidants like nasunin, which protects brain cells from damage. Spices like turmeric also add anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Good for Heart Health
The peanuts in this dish provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The fiber in brinjal can also help lower cholesterol levels.
Aids in Weight Management
Being low in calories and high in fiber, Brinjal Bharit can help you feel full and satisfied for longer, which can aid in weight management efforts.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Maharashtrian Brinjal Bharit (approximately 150g) contains around 150-180 calories. The exact count depends on the amount of oil and peanuts used.