Iconically Indian: How To Make Yummy Bengali Begun Bhaja At Home

We just adore the variety of Bengali dishes it has to offer for food lovers. One such traditional Bengali dish that is served in literally every Bengali household is begun bhaja, also known as baingan bhaja. It is one of the most cherished and popular traditional Bengali dishes that one must try at least once. Tender and juicy eggplant slices are marinated in turmeric powder, salt, and sugar before being shallow-fried or deep-fried in mustard oil to create the Begun Bhaja Bengali cuisine.  

What Is Begun Bhaja

Begun Bhaja is a fried eggplant that is crisp and tender. Begun bhaja is a Bengali name, and the word ‘Begun’ means eggplant or aubergine, and ‘Bhaja’ means fries. Comforting treats like baingan bhaja can also be served as a side dish to go with the main course. For a delicious supper, serve it with dal rice or luchi and yoghurt.

This easy one-pan dish can be made easily using simple kitchen ingredients. Check out this easy recipe of begun bhaja to enjoy it with your loved ones: 

Ingredients Of Begun Bhaja 

1 eggplant (sliced in a round shape) 

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chilli powder

1 tsp black pepper powder

1 tsp cumin powder

5 rice flour or gram flour (besan)

4 tbsp mustard oil

salt as per taste 

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How To Make Begun Bhaja 

1. Wash the brinjals, then cut them into rounds. Keep it aside 

2. Now in a bowl marinate the sliced brinjals with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, black pepper powder, cumin powder, and salt. Keep them aside. 

3. Now in a frying pan heat 4 tbsp of mustard oil. Take rice flour on a plate. Each slice should be properly dipped and coated with rice flour or gram flour. Make sure to dust off the extra rice flour.

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4. Carefully add the coated eggplant rounds to the mustard oil on a medium-high flame. Avoid packing the pieces too tightly into the pan.

5. Now pan-fry these until both sides are crisp and golden brown. To ensure consistent cooking, flip them a few times. 

6. As soon as they are wonderfully crisp and golden, set them on paper towels to absorb any leftover oil.

7. Once it is done serve it hot and enjoy it with your loved ones. 

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