How to Make Eggplant Bharta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Eggplant Bharta is a popular Indian dish that’s often served as a side or even used as a topping for various dishes, from wraps to rice bowls. With its smoky flavor and creamy texture, it’s no wonder why this dish is so well-loved. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of making eggplant bharta in six easy steps.
What is Eggplant Bharta?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a little about what eggplant bharta is. Eggplant bharta is a Gujarati dish that’s made by baking or grilling eggplant and then removing its skin, mashing it together with spices, and mixing in yogurt and herbs. The word "bharta" literally means "bash" or "mash" in Gujrati, which refers to the technique used to break down the eggplant’s soft flesh.
Ingredients needed
To make eggplant bharta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Eggsplant * | 2-3 large eggplants | |
| Spices* | 1 teaspoon cumin seeds**, 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder | |
| Yogurt* | 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt** | |
| Herbs*** | chopped cilantro, 1 minced green chili** * | |
| Cloves and oil* } | 2-3 cardamom pods, 2 tablespoons sesame oil or vegetable oil** * | |
| Salt and optional* } | to taste salt} |
Eggplant Bharta Cooking Methods
There are two common cooking methods used to make eggplant bharta, smoking over an open flame and broiling in the oven. Open-flame roasting results in a more intense smoky flavor, while broiling brings a more subtle smokiness and faster cooking time.
Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant
Peel and chop the eggplant lengthwise into 1-inch thick sections. You can use either 1 or 2 eggplants, depending on their size.
Step 2: Grill or Roast the Eggplant
Grill or roast the eggplant over indirect heat or in a preheated broiler for 20-25 minutes or until the skin is charred. You can choose one of the following methods:
bash the eggplant with your spatula to release the steam and help prematurely breakdown the flesh.
Step 3: Let it Cool
Let the cooked eggplant cool down to handling temperature.
Step 4: Remove and Peels
Remove the eggplant’s skin, and discard it. Roughly chop the eggplant into small bites**.
**Step 5: Add Spices and Yogurt**
Add the following ingredients to the mixture: **cumin seeds, coriander powder, salt,** and **chopped cilantro. Combine well**.
**Step 6: Adjust and Serve**
Adjust seasoning by adding more **salt,** if needed. Serve the eggplant bharta as a side dish, mix with rice, or use it as a topping for various dishes.
Eggplant Bharta is easy to make and can be customized based on your taste preferences. Experimenting with different spices and herbs can even elevate the dish to new levels!
I hope this article has helped in clarifying the process of making a mouth-watering eggplant bharta.