Name: Eggplant Curry (Baingan Curry)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces Eggplant ((chunky cut and cleaned)); 1 piece Tomato ((chopped)); 1 piece Onion ((chopped)); 2 tbsp Coriander leaves; 2 pieces Green chili; 1 tbsp Curry leaves; 2 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste; ½ tbsp Cumin seed; 2 tbsp Roasted spice powder ((1 tbsp cumin seeds + 1 tbsp coriander seeds + 2 green cardamom)); ½ tbsp Cumin powder; ½ tbsp Coriander powder; 1 tbsp Turmeric powder; 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder; 1 tbsp Red chili powder; 3 tbsp Mustard oil; Salt to taste

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Eggplant curry or baingan curry is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s popular in many cuisines around the world.

Eggplant, also known as brinjal in some regions, is the star ingredient in this curry.

When cooked properly, eggplant becomes incredibly tender and soaks up the flavors of the spices and sauce, making it a perfect choice for a curry.

This eggplant curry recipe is relatively simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Eggplant curry is a popular and flavorful dish enjoyed in various cuisines worldwide.

Eggplant, also known as brinjal, is the star ingredient in this curry, known for its tender texture.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit different taste preferences, whether mild or spicy.
Serve eggplant curry with options like steamed rice, naan bread, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

There are numerous alternatives to eggplant curry, including cauliflower, chickpea, potato, and mushroom curries, among others, to suit various dietary preferences and flavor profiles.

The Ingredients

Eggplant or begun: 2 pieces (chunky cut and cleaned)

Tomato: 1-piece big size (chopped)
Onion: 1-piece big size (chopped)
Coriander leaves: 2 tbsp

Green chilis: 2 pieces
Curry leaves: 1 tbsp
Ginger-garlic paste: 2 tbsp

Cumin seed: ½ tbsp
Roasted spice powder: 2 tbsp (1 tbsp cumin seeds + 1 tbsp coriander seeds + 2 green cardamom)
Cumin powder: ½ tbsp

Coriander powder: ½ tbsp
Turmeric powder: 1 tbsp
Kashmiri red chili powder: 1 tbsp

Red chili powder: 1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Mustard oil: 3 tbsp

How to Cook Eggplant Curry (Step by Step Images)?

1. Add 3 tbsp of mustard oil to the wok and heat it up. Put in the cumin seeds and curry leaves, then sauté everything for 2 seconds.

(Expert tip: Add oil according to your preference.)

2. When the curry leaves and cumin seeds are fried, add the chopped onions. Stir until they turn a light brown color.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes once the onions are fried. Then sauté everything for 10 seconds until it becomes dry.

4. Add the green chilis. Break and add them to the spice mixture. Add the ginger-garlic paste and stir-fry for 1 minute until the raw smell dissipates.

5. As soon as the raw smell from the ginger-garlic paste dissipates, add the powdered spices: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder.

6. Add 2 tsp of salt and mix well. Now add a little water to cook the spices. Stir well until the raw smell dissipates.

7. After 1 minute of stirring the spices, add the eggplant pieces and mix thoroughly.

8. When the stirring is done for 1 min, add 1 cup of water. Mix well, then cover.

9. After a few minutes of cooking, it is done. Sprinkle coriander leaves and roasted spices, and mix everything well. Turn off the flame.

10. Transfer the Eggplant Curry to a bowl and enjoy.

Pro Tips for Making Best Eggplant Curry

Making the best eggplant curry requires attention to detail and some culinary know-how. Here are some pro tips to help you create a flavorful and satisfying eggplant curry:

Choose the Right Eggplant: Look for eggplants that are firm, smooth-skinned, and free of blemishes. Younger, smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter and have a better texture.

If you’re using larger eggplants, consider salting and draining them to remove excess moisture and bitterness.

Prep the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If you have the time, you can sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 15-30 minutes to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness. Rinse and pat dry before using.

Dry Roasting Spices: Dry roasting whole spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods before grinding or using them in your curry can intensify their flavors. Simply heat them in a dry skillet until fragrant, then grind them as needed.

Balancing Spices: Achieving the right balance of spices is crucial. Experiment with different combinations of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder to find the flavor profile you prefer.

Layer Flavors: Take your time to build flavors in your curry. Start by sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until they’re well browned. Then add your spices and let them toast briefly before adding other ingredients.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs like cilantro and fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Fresh ingredients can elevate the flavor of your curry.

Control the Heat: Adjust the level of heat in your curry to your preference. If you like it spicy, add more chili powder or fresh chili peppers. For a milder curry, reduce the amount of heat-inducing ingredients.

Consider a Base: Depending on your preference, you can make your eggplant curry with a tomato-based sauce, a coconut milk base, or a yogurt base. Each will give your curry a distinct flavor and texture, so choose according to your taste.

Simmer Slowly: Allow your curry to simmer slowly to meld the flavors and achieve a rich, thick sauce. This can take some time but is well worth the wait.

Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over your eggplant curry. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color to your dish.

With these pro tips in mind, you can create a mouthwatering eggplant curry that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

What to Serve with Eggplant Curry?

Here are some delicious options to serve with your eggplant curry:

Steamed Rice: A simple and classic choice. Basmati rice or jasmine rice works particularly well with eggplant curry. The fluffy texture of the rice complements the saucy curry.

Naan Bread: Warm, soft naan bread is perfect for scooping up the curry sauce. You can make plain naan or try variations like garlic naan or stuffed naan for added flavor.

Roti or Chapati: These unleavened Indian flatbreads are a great alternative to naan. They’re easy to make and are perfect for soaking up the curry.

Paratha: Flaky and buttery, parathas are another type of Indian flatbread that pairs wonderfully with eggplant curry. You can make plain parathas or stuffed versions like aloo paratha (potato-stuffed) for extra variety.

Pita Bread: If you’re in the mood for a Middle Eastern touch, warm pita bread is a good option. It’s great for scooping up the curry or for making quick wraps.

Feel free to mix and match these side dishes to create a meal that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. The key is to have a variety of textures and flavors to complement the rich and flavorful eggplant curry.

How Does Eggplant Curry Taste?

Eggplant curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish known for its rich, savory, and slightly spicy taste. The taste of eggplant curry can vary depending on the specific recipe and regional influences, but here are some general characteristics of its flavor:

Umami-Rich: Eggplant has a natural umami quality, which means it contributes a savory, meaty flavor to the curry. When cooked properly, eggplant becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the spices and sauce, adding depth to the overall taste.

Aromatic: The curry is often fragrant with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. These spices give the dish an aromatic quality that is both inviting and appetizing.

Balanced Heat: Depending on the recipe, eggplant curry can have varying levels of spiciness. It’s typically balanced, with heat from spices like chili powder or fresh chili peppers. The heat level can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Tangy and Sour: Many eggplant curry recipes include ingredients like tomatoes, tamarind, or yogurt, which can impart a mild tanginess and sourness to the dish. This adds complexity and helps balance the richness.

Herbaceous: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley are often used as garnishes in eggplant curry. They add a bright, herbaceous note to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Mild Bitterness: Depending on the type of eggplant used and its preparation, there can be a mild bitterness to the dish. However, this bitterness is often balanced by the other flavors and is not overpowering.

Overall, eggplant curry offers a delightful combination of savory, spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors.

It’s a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences, whether you prefer it mild or fiery, creamy or tomato-based.

Enjoyed with the right side dishes, it makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Eggplant Curry Alternatives

Here are some alternatives to eggplant curry:

Cauliflower Curry: Make a flavorful cauliflower curry by using cauliflower florets as the main ingredient. Cauliflower absorbs the spices and sauces well, resulting in a delicious curry.

Chickpea Curry: Chickpea curry is a popular vegetarian dish made with chickpeas cooked in a tomato-based sauce with a blend of spices. It’s hearty and protein-rich.

Potato Curry (Aloo Curry): Potatoes are a versatile ingredient for curry. You can make aloo curry with diced or whole potatoes in various spice-infused gravies.

Palak Paneer: Palak paneer is a North Indian dish featuring spinach and paneer (Indian cheese) cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s a great alternative for those who want a vegetarian option with a rich, creamy texture.

Mushroom Curry: Mushroom curry is a flavorful choice for mushroom lovers. You can use various types of mushrooms and create a savory, aromatic curry.

Mixed Vegetable Curry: Create a colorful and diverse curry by combining various vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, and beans in a rich sauce.

Pumpkin Curry: Similar to butternut squash, pumpkin can be used to create a sweet and savory curry that’s both unique and delicious.

These are just a few alternatives to traditional eggplant curry. The world of curries is vast and diverse, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to find your favorite curry alternatives.