Eggplant Bharta Recipe

Baingan Bharta, or Eggplant Bharta, is a traditional North Indian dish made with fire-roasted eggplant mashed and sautéed with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Known for its smoky aroma and earthy flavor, this dish is often paired with roti, paratha, or even plain rice.

Whether you're a fan of eggplant or trying to add more plant-based meals to your plate, baingan bharta is humble, hearty, and deeply satisfying — made with minimal ingredients and bursting with flavor.

🕐 Prep & Cooking Time

1. Serves: 3–4

🛒 Ingredients

🟣 For Roasting the Eggplant:

1. 1 large eggplant (baingan), about 500g
2. 1–2 garlic cloves (optional, inserted for roasting)
3. Few drops of oil

🍅 For the Bharta:

1. 2 tbsp mustard oil or vegetable oil
2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
3. 1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
4. 1 tsp ginger, grated
5. 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
6. 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
7. ½ tsp turmeric powder
8. ½ tsp red chili powder
9. Salt, to taste
10. 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

✅ Optional: ½ tsp garam masala for added depth

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Roast the Eggplant

1. Wash and pat dry the eggplant. Make small slits and insert garlic cloves for extra flavor (optional).
2. Brush lightly with oil.
3. Roast directly on open flame, turning often, until the skin chars and the eggplant collapses (8–10 minutes).
4. Alternatively, roast in the oven at 220°C (430°F) for 30–35 minutes.
5. Let cool slightly. Peel off the charred skin, remove stem, and mash the flesh with a fork.

💡 Pro Tip: Roasting over flame gives an authentic smoky flavor — signature to this dish.

🔹 Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat oil in a pan (mustard oil adds traditional punch).
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
3. Add green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until raw smell disappears.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
5. Cook on medium heat until tomatoes soften and oil separates (5–7 mins).

🔹 Step 3: Add Eggplant & Finish

1. Add the mashed eggplant to the cooked masala.
2. Mix well and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Adjust salt and add garam masala (if using).
4. Garnish with chopped coriander.

🔹 Step 4: Serve Hot

Baingan Bharta is best served with:

1. 🫓 Roti, phulka, or paratha
2. 🍚 Steamed rice + dal
3. 🥗 A side of salad or yogurt

🔄 Variations to Try

🗂️ Recipe Metadata

1. Category: Main Course, Side Dish
2. Cuisine: Indian (North Indian, Punjabi)
3. Dietary Tags: Vegan, Gluten-Free
4. Prep Method: Fire-roasting + Stir-frying
5. Difficulty: Easy

💬 Final Thoughts

Baingan Bharta is a testament to how simple ingredients — when prepared thoughtfully — can create bold, unforgettable flavors. Whether you grew up eating it or are trying it for the first time, its smoky aroma and earthy taste will instantly warm your soul.

It’s budget-friendly, healthy, and easy enough for weeknight dinners. Pair it with roti and a drizzle of ghee, and you’ve got a meal steeped in tradition and comfort.

📸 Share Your Bharta Moments!

Tried this recipe? Show it off with #SmokyBainganLove or #BhartaVibes on Instagram — and let the world see your desi culinary skills!

📌 Tags

#bainganbharta #eggplantrecipe #indianvegetarian #veganindianfood #comfortfood #smokedeggplant #homecooking #glutenfree