Begun bhaja (fried brinjal)
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Thick slices of brinjal rubbed with turmeric and salt and fried in mustard oil until soft inside and golden outside.
Region: West BengalOccasion: Everyday side dish; with khichuri on rainy days and pujasTime: 20 minServes: 4Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 large round brinjal
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp red chilli powder (optional)
- ½ tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- 4–5 tbsp mustard oil
Method
- Cut the brinjal into round slices about 1 cm thick.
- Rub with turmeric, chilli powder, sugar and salt. Leave for 10 minutes.
- Heat mustard oil in a flat pan and lay the slices in one layer.
- Fry on medium heat for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and soft right through.
- Serve hot with rice and dal or with khichuri.
History
Bhaja (fried vegetables) are an essential part of the Bengali meal, eaten early in the meal with rice and dal.
Significance
Begun bhaja with bhoger khichuri is the classic meal on a rainy day and part of the Durga Puja bhog.