Eggplant Begun Bhorta - A Feast for the Senses!

This Eggplant Begun Bhorta is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the rich tastes of Bangladeshi cuisine to your table. It's not just delicious but also a healthy choice, packed with nutrients from the fresh vegetables and spices. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

1. 1 large eggplant, sliced thickly

2. ¼ cup water

3. Pinch of turmeric

4. ¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste

5. 1 tbsp mustard seeds

6. ½ tsp kalonji (black cumin)

7. ¾ cup red onion, thinly sliced

8. 5-6 green chilies, halved

9. 4-5 large garlic cloves, smashed and thinly sliced

10. 4-5 dry red chilies, roasted

11. 3 tbsp onion, thinly sliced

12. 3 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

13. 1 tsp mustard oil

1. Cook the Eggplant:
   

   • Place the eggplant slices in a cast-iron pan with ¼ cup of water, a pinch of turmeric, and ¼ tsp of salt.

   • Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender, flipping halfway through.

   • Once cooked, transfer the eggplant to a plate.

1. Prepare the Spices:
   

   • Clean the pan with a paper towel.

   • Heat 1 tbsp of mustard seeds until warm, then add ½ tsp of kalonji. Let them splatter for 10-20 seconds.

   • Add the ¾ cup of sliced red onion with a pinch of salt and cook until soft and color changes.

   • Add the green chilies and garlic, cooking until light brown.

1. Combine and Cook:
   

   • Add the cooked eggplant to the pan. Break and mix with a spatula over high heat until the mixture is dry.

1. Prepare the Chili Mix:
   

   • On a separate plate, crush the roasted dry red chilies with ¼ tsp of salt.

   • Add 3 tbsp of thinly sliced onion to the chili mix. The onions will turn soft.

1. Final Mixing:
   

   • Combine the chili mix with the eggplant mixture.

   • Mash well using the bottom of a glass, then mix by hand.

   • Finally, stir in 3 tbsp of chopped coriander and 1 tsp of mustard oil.

1. Serve:
   

   • The dish is best served warm and goes wonderfully with rice. It's so satisfying that you might find yourself enjoying an extra plate!

Nutritional Information: Eggplant is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The spices used, like turmeric and garlic, offer anti-inflammatory benefits and antioxidants. Mustard oil adds a unique flavor and contains healthy fats. This dish is a wholesome choice for a balanced diet.

Enjoy this delightful Eggplant Begun Bhorta for a taste of traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, bringing both health and flavor to your table!