Baghare Baingan - Hyderabadi Bagara Baigan is a recipe made from Aubergines and roasted coconut, sesame, peanuts, tamarind and spices. It can be served on its own with rice, pulao or chapatti or alongside Biryani.
Make a cross with a knife at the bottom of each aubergine and slice upwards but keep the stem intact then soak in water with 2 tablespoon Salt added to it, for 30 minutes.
In a pan over medium heat, dry roast the peanuts, sesame seeds and coconut until lightly golden and aromatic. Blend with a little water to make a course paste. Add tamarind, coriander, turmeric, red chilli, cumin and salt and blend again till fully incorporated.
Add some of the paste into the Aubergines. This is an optional step.
Heat Oil in a pan and add Aubrergines. Cook till the skin is blistered. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds and curry leaves. Once they begin to splutter, add the onions. Cook for 10 minutes until golden brown.
Stir in the garlic, ginger and green chilli. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add any remaining nut paste.
Add Water and the Aubergines. Simmer covered for 20 minutes. Check in between to make sure it isn't catching. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
Variations
Date Paste - Add 1 teaspoon Date Paste to the Curry for a delicious flavour. It complements the Tamarind perfectly.Coconut Milk - You can add a small tin of Coconut Cream or ½ tin Coconut Milk to this dish.Peanut, Sesame and Coconut Paste - you can skip Peanuts and Sesame and replace them with other nuts like Cashews which add a creaminess.
ExpertTip
Aubergines are soaked in salted water to remove any bitterness.You can add more Tamarind but I don't like it too sour, so just add a little.
FAQS
Can I make Baghare Baingan without Coconut or Peanuts?
Yes you can. Add 2 - 3 tablespoon of Coconut Cream and Cashew instead.
What is Baingan in English?
It translates to Aubergine/Eggplant.
How to serve
This recipe can be served on it’s own as a dish served with chapatti or rice such as pulao, biryani or jeera rice.
Storage
This recipe keeps well covered in a bowl or airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top over low heat.