Begun Bhaja

A Bengali classic, this dish needs no introduction. But I create it with my favourite ingredients. The classic dish uses only salt, turmeric and red chili powder. However, I like to add a few more spices.

Here is the recipe of how I prepare it.

• Take a big brinjal and slice it into discs. Ideally it should be thick slices, however, I like it thin.

• Once sliced, placed it into a bowl full of water.

• Now in a mixing bowl add 2 tbs gram flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, a pinch of asafoetida, 1or 1 ½ tsp red chili powder and ½ tsp Amchur powder. Mix it well.

• In a frying pan, heat about 3-4 tbs oil. ( Try to use Mustard Oil for the authentic taste)

• Once the oil is heated, place each disc of Brinjal, well coated in the spice mix and cook it for at least 10 mins on each side on a medium flame.

• When fully cooked, it looks like this.

• Serve it with hot Dal Rice !