- August 5, 2025
🌶️ Baingan Bharta Recipe | Authentic Punjabi Roasted Eggplant Curry
Looking for a flavorful and smoky Baingan Bharta recipe just like your favorite dhaba or North Indian restaurant? This is a traditional Punjabi-style baingan bharta made with roasted eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and Indian spices—perfectly spiced and utterly delicious!
🛒 Ingredients for Baingan Bharta (Serves 4)
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large eggplant (baingan) | 1 (about 400–500 grams) |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| Tomato (chopped) | 2 medium |
| Green chili (slit) | 1–2 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 5–6 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch |
| Mustard oil or vegetable oil | 2–3 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder | 1½ teaspoons |
| Garam masala | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander leaves | For garnish |
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baingan Bharta
✅ Step 1: Roast the Eggplant (Baingan)
Wash the baingan and pat dry. Make 2–3 small slits using a knife and insert garlic cloves inside the slits for flavor.
Roast the eggplant on direct flame over medium heat, turning often, until the skin is charred and flesh is soft (takes 10–12 mins).
Place the roasted baingan in a bowl, cover it, and let it cool. This will help loosen the skin.
Once cooled, peel off the charred skin and mash the flesh using a fork.
🔥 Pro Tip: For a smoky baingan bharta, roast it directly on flame or in a tandoor.
✅ Step 2: Prepare the Masala
Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger, garlic, and green chili. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Sauté the masala for 2–3 minutes until oil separates.
✅ Step 3: Add Roasted Eggplant
Add the mashed baingan to the masala. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Cook for 6–8 minutes on medium flame, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle garam masala and mix well. Turn off the heat.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
🍆 This delicious Punjabi baingan bharta is now ready to serve!
🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Baingan Bharta
| Occasion | Why it Works |
|---|---|
| Daily meals | Simple, flavorful, and healthy dinner |
| Festive lunch | Traditional and satisfying |
| Vegan meals | 100% plant-based and gluten-free |
| Family gatherings | Loved by all age groups |
| Indian thali platter | Great with dal, rice, and pickle |
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Serve hot baingan bharta with:
Roti, phulka, or paratha – A classic combo
Steamed rice and dal for a comforting meal
Jeera rice or chapati for a North Indian touch
Side of onion rings, pickle, and papad
🧠 Tips for Perfect Baingan Bharta
Choose a large, round baingan with shiny skin and no blemishes.
For extra smoky flavor, add a little smoked paprika or use a charcoal smoke technique (dhungar method).
Do not blend the baingan; mashing gives the right texture.
Always roast on flame, not in the oven, for an authentic taste.
🧾 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 8% of Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 18% of Daily Value |
| Iron | 9% of Daily Value |
| Calcium | 3% of Daily Value |
✅ A low-calorie, high-fiber, and vegan Indian curry—ideal for those on a weight-loss or gluten-free diet.
❓ FAQs on Baingan Bharta
Q1. Can I make baingan bharta without onions and garlic?
Yes. Just skip the onion-garlic and follow the rest of the recipe. It still tastes delicious and becomes a sattvik version.
Q2. Can I use the oven to roast the baingan?
Yes. Roast at 220°C for 30–40 mins. However, direct flame gives better smoky flavor.
Q3. Is baingan bharta healthy?
Absolutely! Baingan (eggplant) is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and low in calories—making it a healthy Indian curry option.
Q4. Can I store leftover bharta?
Yes, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
✅ Interesting Facts
This authentic Baingan Bharta recipe is packed with bold flavors, rustic charm, and nutritional goodness. Whether you’re an eggplant lover or just exploring new Indian vegetarian curries, this dish is a classic that never fails to impress.
Roasted to perfection and blended with earthy Indian spices, it’s best enjoyed hot with roti or rice, making it a heartwarming, homestyle comfort food.
