Achari Baingan Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500 grams baby eggplants (baingan), slit lengthwise 🍆
• 2 onions, finely chopped 🧅
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped 🍅
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste 🧄
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 🌿
• 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 🌿
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji) 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 🌿
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 🌿
• Salt, to taste 🧂
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil (or any cooking oil) 🌿
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnishing 🌿

Instructions:

1. Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt to the pan. Mix well.
6. Add slit baby eggplants to the pan and mix gently to coat them with the masala.
7. Cover the pan and let the Achari Baingan cook over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender.
8. Once done, garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
9. Serve hot with roti or rice.

About Achari Baingan:

Achari Baingan is a traditional North Indian dish that is known for its tangy and spicy flavor profile. The word "achari" refers to pickling spices, and this dish is inspired by the flavors of Indian pickles. Baby eggplants are cooked with a blend of aromatic spices like mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, and nigella seeds, which give it a unique and delightful taste. Achari Baingan is a popular vegetarian dish that is enjoyed with Indian breads like roti or rice.

Enjoy the tangy and flavorful Achari Baingan! 🍆🌶️🍅