Allergens in Begun Bhaja: mustard.
Ingredients
Quantities for 4.
- 1 large round variety (about 400g), cut into 1cm rounds Eggplantthe fat purple globe kind, not the slim ones
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Chilli Powder
- 1/2 tsp Sugarhelps the surface carameliseoptional
- 2 tbsp Rice Flourfor a light crust; leave out for the plainer versionoptional
- 5 tbsp Mustard Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
Cookware
stovetop, tawa
Checked against the ingredient list for ten allergens: milk, egg, fish, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, mustard, soy and gluten. Brands vary, so read the label on anything new to you.
Before you start
- Rub the eggplant rounds with the salt, turmeric, chilli powder and sugar and leave 20 minutes. They will bead with water.
- Blot the rounds dry with a cloth just before frying, otherwise the oil will spit.
- If you are using the rice flour, dust it on at the last moment so it does not go gummy.
Method
- Heat the mustard oil in a wide tawa until it smokes, then lower the heat to medium.Smoking the mustard oil first is not optional. Raw mustard oil tastes acrid.
- Lay in the eggplant rounds in a single layer, leaving space between them.Crowding drops the oil temperature and you get soggy slices instead of crisp ones.
- Fry 3-4 minutes without touching them, until the underside is deep brown and the edge looks frilled.
- Turn once with a flat spatula and fry the second side 3 minutes.Turn only once. Every extra flip makes the slice absorb more oil.
- Press the centre lightly. It should give completely, with no firm core left.
- Lift onto kitchen paper and fry the next batch, adding a little more oil if the pan looks dry.
- Serve immediately alongside hot rice and dal, while the edges are still crisp.
Storage
Eat within the hour. They go limp on standing and do not reheat well. Do not refrigerate.
Nutrition Good estimate
One serving of Begun Bhaja (128 g) is about 212 calories, or 166 calories per 100 g.
Low protein: 2 g a serving, 3% of the calories
| Per serving128 g | Per 100 g | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 212 kcal | 166 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g | 1 g |
| Carbohydrate | 13.0 g | 10 g |
| of which sugars | 4.1 g | 3 g |
| Fibre | 3.4 g | 3 g |
| Fat | 17.8 g | 14 g |
| of which saturated | 2.1 g | 2 g |
| of which unsaturated | 14.2 g | 11 g |
Estimated from raw ingredients using USDA FoodData Central.
More like this: Quick Indian recipes (30 min) · Vegan Indian recipes · Vegetarian Indian recipes · Gluten-free Indian recipes · Dairy-free Indian recipes · No onion no garlic recipes · Bengali recipes
Times, yields, allergens and nutrition are guidance. Use your own judgement on doneness and on storing. More in About.