Side Dish

Begun Bhaja

Name: Begun Bhaja
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: indian, bengali
Ingredients: 500 g eggplant sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 0.5 tsp chili powder; 0.75 tsp salt; 4 tbsp mustard oil

Begun Bhaja is a traditional Bengali side dish featuring tender slices of eggplant fried until golden and crispy. It's simply seasoned, allowing the natural flavors of the eggplant to shine. This dish is a perfect accompaniment to rice and dal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 166 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

500 geggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
0.5 tspturmeric powder
0.5 tspchili powder
0.75 tspsalt
4 tbspmustard oil

Equipment

paper towels · large bowl · spatula · frying pan

The method

Step by step

1
Place the sliced eggplant in a large bowl.
About 1 min
2
Sprinkle the turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt over the eggplant slices.
About 1 min
3
Toss gently to ensure all eggplant slices are evenly coated with the spices.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to break the delicate eggplant slices.
4
Heat the mustard oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Mustard oil has a distinct flavor; if unavailable, use a neutral oil like vegetable oil.
5
Once the oil is hot, carefully place a single layer of seasoned eggplant slices into the pan.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
6
Fry the eggplant for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and tender.
About 8 min
Cook’s note: Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring the eggplant cooks through.
7
Remove the fried eggplant slices from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
About 2 min
8
Repeat the frying process with any remaining eggplant slices, adding more mustard oil if needed.
About 8 min
9
Serve Begun Bhaja hot as a side dish.

Per serving

Nutrition

69%Score

Calories: 165.7kcal
Protein: 1.3g
Carbs: 7.9g
Fat: 15.3g
Fibre: 3.9g
Sugar: 4.4g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store any leftover Begun Bhaja in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in a microwave until warmed through. It may lose some crispness upon reheating.