About this baingan bharta recipe

Baingan Bharta is a spicy, tangy & smoky flavored Indian recipe made by mashing roasted eggplants (brinjal / aubergine) with Indian spices along with sautéed tomatoes and onions etc. This aromatic dish is delicious & irresistible due to its unique smoky aroma, and is liked even by kids and people who otherwise are not so fond of eating eggplant based recipes.

Recipe highlights –

Convenient oven-roasted preparation
Includes stovetop and air-frying options
Smoky, flavorful and aromatic.
Classic North Indian recipe
Vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories
Perfect with roti, naan or parathas

I’ve provided a detailed recipe for preparing baingan bharta in the oven, as it’s easier and more convenient than the stovetop method while preserving its signature smoky flavor. For flexibility, I’ve also included instructions for making it on the stovetop or in an air fryer.

What is bharta?

The word bharta refers to Indian dishes where the main ingredient like eggplants or potatoes are usually roasted and mashed. Then they are cooked with spices and often with combination of onions, tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, garlic etc.

While baingan ka bharta is the dominant one, there are more types of barthas like aloo ka bharta which uses potato, shalgam ka bharta based on turnip and many other types especially in east India and Bangladesh.

There are many regional variations of baigan bharta, but the Punjabi bharta and flavors are the ones most commonly known.

Various ways to roast the eggplants

Roasting the eggplants is the main step of this recipe and it can be done in various ways :

Tandoor – The traditional way of making this recipe is to roast the eggplants over an open fire or in a tandoor to get the skin charred all around. This method is not viable for cooking in most homes, and is now less used but remains the most authentic ways of making this dish. If you have an outdoor grill or barbeque, you can roast the eggplants over it.
Gas stove – In most homes, the bharta is made by roasting the eggplants over an open medium flame on a gas stove. You should keep rotating the eggplant over the flame so that it gets cooked evenly. The entire process will take about 10 minutes. This is the best method to use at home if you want to make authentic tasting baingan bharta, however it requires a long time to clean up the stove after roasting the eggplant. You can place an aluminium foil around the gas burner to make cleanup easier.
Oven – This is my go to method for making the bharta, since it doesn’t require any cleanup or much monitoring. To roast the eggplants in an oven for baingan bharta, preheat it to 400 F or 200 C. Then bake the eggplants for around 40 minutes till they are soft, turning them 2-3 times in between to cook them evenly. Then turn on the broiler to high and broil them for 5-10 minutes, again turning them midway. Broiling the eggplants will give them the characteristic smoky charred flavor.
Air Fryer – Air frying the eggplants it another quick & easy option for making baingan bharta. Air fry them on 400 F or 200 C for 15-20 minutes, turning them midway, till the eggplants are cooked.
Add directly – If you are short on time, you can peel, chop and directly cook the eggplants without roasting them. You would not get the charred flavor, however, the dish still comes out delicious.

Some handy tips for making baingan bharta

Below I have listed down a few things to keep in mind while preparing this recipe:

Choose the Right Eggplant – Opt for a firm, large, juicy, and lightweight round eggplant. It roasts better and yields more pulp once the charred skin is removed. Lightweight eggplants usually have fewer and smaller seeds.
Perfect Roasting – Ensure the eggplant is cooked thoroughly. Look for signs like the skin charring, curling, and the flesh becoming soft. These indicate it’s ready to be peeled.
Even Cooking – If cooking in an open flame, keep rotating the eggplant so that it gets cooked evenly. IIn an oven or airfryer, turn over the eggplant several times during cooking to ensure uniform doneness.
Enhance the Flavor – Roast garlic, green chilies, and tomatoes alongside the eggplant for a richer, smokier flavor.
Optional Add-ins – Fresh green peas can be added for extra texture and sweetness.
Best Cooking Oil – Mustard oil is the preferred choice for its bold flavor. However, refined oils can also be used. For added richness, some people like to use ghee.

Nutrition info

Baingan Bharta is a healthy, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and low-fat dish that’s both tasty and nutritious. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. With its low calories and high fiber, it’s also a filling option for those looking to manage their weight.

Eggplants (brinjals) are packed with folate, which helps make red blood cells and prevents anemia. They are also rich in anthocyanins, natural antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect cells. These compounds give eggplants their vibrant color. Plus, eggplants provide vitamins B6 and K, as well as potassium and magnesium, which are good for heart and muscle health.

Cooking with mustard oil not only adds flavor but also provides healthy fats and antibacterial properties. Ingredients like garlic and onions boost antioxidants, while adding green peas increases protein and fiber, making the dish even more wholesome and satisfying.

Serving suggestions

Baingan Bharta pairs perfectly with Indian flatbreads like roti, naan, or parathas, making it a comforting and satisfying main dish. It can also be served with jeera rice or plain steamed rice for a wholesome meal.

Add a side of yogurt or raita to balance the smoky flavors and add creaminess. A fresh cucumber or onion salad complements the dish by adding crunch and freshness.

For a complete Indian thali experience, serve Baingan Bharta alongside dal (lentils), pickle, and papad. It also works well as a dip or spread for toasted bread or pita for a fusion twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance its flavor before serving.

To make baingan bharta at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with photos posted below.

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