Spiced Indian Eggplant Bharta with Charred Onions

Name: Spiced Indian Eggplant Bharta with Charred Onions
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 3 large eggplants; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 large onion — finely chopped; 2 cups tomatoes — chopped; 3 cloves garlic — minced; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon red chili powder; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 tablespoon garam masala; Salt to taste; 1 large onion — thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Pinch of salt; Fresh cilantro — chopped; Lemon wedges

A smoky, spicy eggplant mash that's rich in flavor

A traditional Indian dish featuring smoked eggplant mashed with spices and topped with sweet, charred onions.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Eggplant

3 large eggplants

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon salt

For the Masala

1 large onion — finely chopped

2 cups tomatoes — chopped

3 cloves garlic — minced

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 tablespoon garam masala

Salt to taste

For the Charred Onions

1 large onion — thinly sliced

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Pinch of salt

For the Garnish

Fresh cilantro — chopped

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Roasting the Eggplant

Pierce eggplants

Pierce eggplants with a fork to prevent bursting.

Roast eggplants

Roast eggplants directly over a medium flame until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft.

Roast the eggplants directly over the flame for an authentic smoky flavor.

Cool and mash

Let them cool, then peel and mash the flesh in a bowl.

Ensure the eggplants are fully cooked and soft before mashing.

Preparing the Masala

Heat oil and cumin

Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they crackle.

Sauté onions

Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

Cook spices

Stir in garlic, tomatoes, and spices. Cook until the mixture thickens.

Add a splash of water to prevent spices from sticking while cooking.

Cooking Process

Sauteeing Masala

Cook the onion-tomato mixture until it releases oil.

Mixing Bharta

Combine mashed eggplant with the masala in the pan.

Charring Onions

Fry onion slices in oil until they turn dark golden.

Plating & Serving