Dill Baingan Bhaji Recipe

Ever tried transforming humble eggplants into a party of flavors? Let me take you on a culinary adventure that’s all about melding spices and aromas into sheer deliciousness—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

The flavors and the textures of Dill Baingan Bhaji are vivid, to say the least. The eggplant, in tender cubes, is alive with the aromatic spices of this dish.

Cumin and mustard seeds lend their zesty notes to the dish while the fresh dill combines beautifully with the garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Dill Baingan Bhaji is one of those dishes that never fail to amuse my taste buds.

The eggplant, which is a staple in many Bengali homes, has been given a facelift in this recipe. Dill Baingan Bhaji is nutritious, satisfying, and as is true for many Bengali dishes, so full of flavor that you will not want to put down your spoon.

Ingredients

• Eggplants (Baingan): Rich in fiber; low in calories; boosts heart health.
• Mustard Seeds: Add pungent flavor; rich in minerals; aids digestion.
• Cumin Seeds: Earthy flavor; good source of iron; aids in digestion.
• Onion: Adds sweetness; rich in antioxidants; boosts immune function.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy; high in vitamin C; improves skin health.
• Garlic: Adds robust flavor; boosts immunity; contains anti-inflammatory properties.
• Ginger: Warm and spicy; aids digestion; reduces inflammation.
• Turmeric Powder: Provides golden color; contains curcumin; reduces inflammation.
• Dill Leaves: Fresh, tangy flavor; rich in antioxidants; promotes digestive health.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium-sized eggplants (baingan), chopped into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh dill leaves, chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Warm the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Put in the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter for a few seconds.

2. Finely chop the onion and add it to the pan. Sauté it in the oil until it becomes golden brown.

3. Introduce the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilies with a good stir. Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, letting them mingle until the raw aroma has completely disappeared.

4. Put the tomatoes that have been cut into bits into the pan and cook them until soft and mushy.

5. Combine the spices well. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder to the pot and stir well to mix in all the spices.

6. Add the eggplants, chopped finely, to the pan, and stir them so that they mix evenly with the spices.

7. Add a little salt to make the eggplant taste better and cover them with a lid. Set the burner to low and let them cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should become tender without turning mushy.

8. When the eggplants are cooked, add the dill to the pan and stir it in. Make sure the herbs and eggplants are evenly mixed.

9. Allow the flavors to meld together by cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

10. If desired, you can cover the dish in fresh coriander leaves, and then serve it steaming alongside rice or some kind of flatbread. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pan
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Lid for the pan

FAQ

• What type of eggplants are best for Dill Baingan Bhaji?For best results, use globe eggplants that are medium sized and firm to the touch, with smooth, shiny skin.
• Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill leaves?Taste-wise, nothing beats fresh dill in its prime. Use 1 tablespoon of dried dill; infuse it into the lemons before adding them to the soup. You will still achieve a bright lemony flavor with less than half the amount of lemon oil used in the fresh version of the soup.
• Is it necessary to peel the eggplants?The skin does add texture and flavor, but you can peel them if you prefer.
• How can I reduce the spice level in the recipe?To reduce the heat, you can lessen or remove the green chilies and adjust the red chili powder to your taste.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Absolutely, if prepared a few hours in advance, the tastes develop splendidly. It may be kept in the refrigerator for one day or, at most, two.
• What can I serve with Dill Baingan Bhaji?It goes well with roti, naan, or rice, forming a delicious and wholesome meal.
• Is Dill Baingan Bhaji vegan?Certainly, the recipe is inherently vegan, utilizing plant-based components and vegetable oil.

Dill Baingan Bhaji Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Vegetable oil can be replaced with oils like sunflower or canola.
Mustard seeds: If you cannot procure any, you may use nigella seeds instead, or omit this ingredient altogether.
Cumin seeds:
Caraway seeds or ground cumin.
Turmeric powder: Substitutions can be freshly grated turmeric root or no turmeric at all.
Dill leaves: Can be substituted with fennel fronds or a smaller amount of dried dill.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Salt the Eggplants Before beginning the recipe, sprinkle the chopped eggplants with salt and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will help draw out any bitterness and excess moisture. Rinse and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Roast the Eggplants For an extra layer of flavor, roast the eggplant cubes in the oven or fry them separately until slightly golden before adding them to the pan. This can enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish.

3. Mash the Tomatoes As you cook the tomatoes, mash them slightly with the back of your spatula or spoon. This will help them break down more quickly and create a richer, smoother sauce.

4. Spice Layering When sautéing the onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies, consider adding a pinch of salt to help them cook faster and enhance their flavors.

5. Use Fresh Dill Generously Dill has a unique flavor that complements eggplant beautifully. For an even fresher taste, add some additional dill just before serving, along with the coriander leaves.