Baingan bharta

Preparation Rinse eggplants well under running water and wipe dry with a kitchen tissue

Make 4 slits on the brinjal and push 4 garlic cloves deep inside 2 slits

Also push 2 slit green chilies in the other 2 slits

Brush them with oil

Grilling eggplants On Direct Fire: With the help of a tong, place it on direct fire

You can do it either on the red hot coal or stovetop

Keep turning it to all the other sides and grill until it is done completely roasted

It takes about 12 to 14 mins

To grill in oven: Line a metal tray with foil

Cut each eggplant to 2 parts and place them on the tray with the skin side on top

You can also place the tomatoes in the same tray

Broil/Grill them at 460 F or 240 C for 16 to 18 mins

In air fryer: Place baingan, chilies, garlic and tomatoes in the air fryer basket

Air fry at 400 F or 200 C

It takes roughly about 22 mins for the whole eggplant, 16 mins if you halve the eggplant & air fry

Once done, check by inserting a fork into the eggplant

It should go in smoothly & easily meaning it is soft and cooked well

(Check step-by-step photos above) Cool the eggplant and peel the skin

Optionally – Transfer the eggplant to a bowl and cover it for 5 mins

Once done remove the skin

Mash or chop the eggplant, grilled garlic and green chilies

Keep these aside

Chop the tomatoes, onions and raw garlic as well

How to make baingan bharta Pour oil to a hot pan

When the oil turns hot, add chopped ginger and garlic

Saute for 30 to 60 seconds until aromatic

Then add chopped onions and saute until they turn light golden

Add tomatoes and salt

Cook until they become soft

Then add red chili powder and cook for a few minutes until the raw smell from the tomatoes goes away

Then mashed eggplants, garlic and green chilies

(You may want to save half of the green chilies for later after taste testing) Mix everything and mash it a bit to blend well

Then add garam masala and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on a medium heat

Taste test and add more salt and green chilli

Garnish with coriander leaves

Serve baingan bharta with roti, rice or naan