Recipe

Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant Curry) Dip

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This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Dip
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ABCDs of Cooking's Notes: Baingan bharta is a traditional North Indian curry made from roasted eggplant, tomatoes and onions. It is one of my favorites. You can tell when people have discovered the goodness of this...
Baingan bharta is a traditional North Indian curry made from roasted eggplant, tomatoes and onions. It is one of my favorites. You can tell when people have discovered the goodness of this curry because they will consistently order it at Indian restaurants (i.e. my friend Stephanie). Baingan bharta and dip are words that don't usually go together, but I'm so glad they do now! This dip is so good, I've been eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's basically baingan bharta but chilled with some tahini, lemon and yogurt - kind of like Indian baba ganoush!

I also took it to a party and it was gone fast. I came back to the empty bowl and sort of had a frown smile on because I wanted more but was happy that others had enjoyed it. I really like it with naan bread, but it tastes good with warm pita too. Also, this recipe is two in one so you can also use it as a guide if you want to make just the curry. A nice addition if you do make the curry is to add some fresh green peas.

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Serves a party

baingan bharta curry:

1 eggplant, roasted Ask a question about this ingredient

1 onion, pureed Ask a question about this ingredient

2 medium tomatoes, chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

3 tablespoons canola oil Ask a question about this ingredient

1 pinch asafoetida Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 teaspoon turmeric Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon grated ginger Ask a question about this ingredient

1 garlic clove crushed Ask a question about this ingredient

2 teaspoons coriander powder Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon cumin powder Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon garam masala Ask a question about this ingredient

1/4 teaspoon red chili powder Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 teaspoon amchoor (dry mango) powder* - optional Ask a question about this ingredient

1 small Indian green chili, chopped - optional Ask a question about this ingredient

salt to taste Ask a question about this ingredient

You can either roast eggplant on an open flame or in the oven. For roasting in the oven, preheat oven to 400°F.
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Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise and brush the cut sides lightly with oil. Place on a baking sheet, cut side down and roast for about 1 hour. It is done when you press the skin and it feels collapsed.
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Drain the eggplant in a colander and then scoop the flesh out of the skin.
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Heat oil in a pan on medium/high heat. When the oil gets hot, add the asafoetida, turmeric and onions. Stir and cook until onions are translucent. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until the onions start turning golden. Add tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture. Stir the mixture from time to time so it does not burn. Add garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili and optional green chili and amchoor powder.
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Next add in the eggplant and salt. Continue to stir the mixture and mash down the eggplant. Turn the heat to medium and cook for about another 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. The curry should be brought to a boil so that the spices are absorbed. Turn off the heat.
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baingan bharta dip:

baingan bharta, pureed in blender Ask a question about this ingredient

1 tablespoon tahini paste Ask a question about this ingredient

juice of 1 small lemon Ask a question about this ingredient

3 tablespoons Greek yogurt Ask a question about this ingredient

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro and litte extra for garnishing Ask a question about this ingredient

Ladle out baingan bharta into blender and puree with tahini and lemon juice.
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In a bowl, mix the puree with yogurt, cilantro and salt if needed.
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Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours and then garnish with more cilantro.
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2 Comments on Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant Curry) Dip

Julie O added 3 months ago

Didn't bother with the puree and loved this. I didn't have any tomatos so I used a few sun-dried tomatos and some spicy veggie juice instead - worked great. I'd tried a different banigan bharta in the past that didn't taste right but this was a treat. Just so people know, there's room for more spice in this if you want it hotter. Next time...(when I get home from India!). Thanks for the recipe.