Konkani Brinjal Bharata: A Flavoured Tasteful Delicacy

Recipe:

Konkani cuisine is rather lavish and a treasure trove of flavors, fresh produce, and countless recipes. Perhaps the most popular dish in this tradition is Brinjal Bharata, or Baingan Bharta in some places, concentrating mostly on the hallowed brinjal or eggplant in a smoky, spiced preparation. This recipe for Konkani Brinjal Bharata will give you step-by-step guidance with tips, serving suggestions, and frequently asked questions.

Ingredients:

Recipe:

To make Konkani Brinjal Bharata you will need the following ingredients:

Bharata:

• 2 large brinjals (eggplants)
• 2 tablespoons oil coconut oil is the best to be used for authentic flavor
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit to taste
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder to your taste
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves to garnish

Tempering:

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Pinch of hing / Asafoetida
• 8-10 curry leaves

Cooking Time:

Recipe:

Step 1: Roasting the Brinjals

• Preparation of the Brinjals: Wash the Brinjals in running water. Clean the brinjals and incise them without cutting them all the way through.
• Roasting: You can roast them on an open flame from a gas stove for the smoky flavor or you can roast them in the oven. If you are using an open flame, simply place the brinjal directly on the burner and turn it every few minutes until its skin blisters and its flesh feels very soft; it should take about 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, if you employ the oven, then it would have to be preheated to 400°F or 200°C, and the brinjals then roasted for about 30-35 minutes until soft.
• Cool and Peel: Allow the Brinjals to cool after roasting. Remove the charred skin and chop roughly once cool.

Step 2: Bharata Preparation

Recipe:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat coconut oil in a pan on a medium flame. Add the mustard seeds and allow it to crackle.
2. Add Cumin and Hing: Add the cumin seeds along with a pinch of hing and sauté for a few seconds till fragrant.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté them until the onions turn golden brown.
4. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste stir and cook for a minute till the raw smell of the ginger garlic disappears
5. Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook them until they become soft, so the oil makes its separate position from the mixture.
6. Spicing it Up: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes till the spices are well incorporated.
7. Mix with Brinjal: Now mix in the chopped brinjal into this spice mixture. Stir it well and then cook on low flame for 5 to 7 minutes as this will allow the flavors to be assimilated.
8. Final Presentation: Add garam masala and mix. Cook for another minute. Turn off the flame and garnish it with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve/servings with:

Recipe:

Konkani Brinjal Bharata can be served hot with:

• Bhaat (Rice): Well-steamed rice goes well as accompaniment. The smoky taste of the dish goes well with rice.
• Chapati or Bhakri: Soft chapatis or authentic bhakri Indian flatbread will go well with the wholesome meal.
• Side dish: Adding some pickle or raita made of yogurt can enhance the taste.

Tips to make it Best Bharata:

Recipe:

1. Brinjals selection: Select fresh, firm green brinjals without scars. Further, the choice may also affect your taste; giant brinjals of a round globe shape work great for this recipe.
2. Smoky flavor: The first thing you must do if your Bharata is going to turn out great is the smoky flavor from roasting the brinjals. Do not skip this step
3. Spice Levels: You can play around and change the ratios of green chilies and red chili powder according to how hot you like your dish.

FAQS:

Recipe:

1. Can I prepare Bharata with other vegetables too?

Indeed! You can pretty much apply the above method to make Bharata with other vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or mixed roasted vegetables.

2. Do I need to roast brinjals over a flame?

While roasting over an open flame, which gives a special smoky flavor, you could bake them in an oven or grill. Only make sure they are soft after cooking.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes, Bharata can be prepared one day ahead. It can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. Just reheat it gently before serving.

4. Do you have some variation of this recipe?

While there are a few variations in that you can add coconut for that extra layer of flavor, use other spices according to regional preference, or lentils for higher protein.

5. How to preserve leftover Bharata?

You may store any leftover Bharata in an airtight box in the fridge. For can store it there for up to 3 days. You may warm it over the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion:

Recipe:

Konkani Brinjal Bharata is a delicious dish celebrating the different flavors of coastal Indian food. So aromatic is the spice and so well does the smoky roasted flavor of brinjals blend with aromatic spices, that it is an undeniably comforting meal. Whether served with rice and chapati or eaten on its own, your family will surely love it open-armed. With this recipe complete with tips and answers to the most commonly asked questions, you too can confidently prepare this Konkani classic in your kitchen. Taste the richness of the culinary heritage on this little piece of Konkan one small bite at a time!