Baingan Fry

Serves 4

35 mins

181 Kcal

Baingan Fry is a delicious and simple Indian recipe in which eggplant's smoky, earthy taste forms its base; it remains popular in most Indian homes as a side dish or snack among many. This recipe of Baingan Fry justifies how spice and the saut ing of eggplant can give a crispy, crunchy outside and a soft, tender inside. It is one of the easiest dishes to prepare and tastes great with roti, rice, or dal, making it an easy addition to any meal. Fresh Baingan is cut into slices and wedges and seasoned with turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin, and garam masala. Salt flavours and brings the spices to hold onto the eggplant. Slices are pan-fried till they attain a golden crispy surface but remain tender from the inside. The beauty of the Baingan Fry recipe is that it can be enjoyed as a plain accompaniment to many dishes or as a light vegetarian main course. Sometimes, a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves and perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice add a refreshing flavour. This is a speedy and easy dish to prepare, but it is also very healthy because eggplants are loaded with fibre, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. Baingan Fry is best for those who love the taste of spices bursting in their mouth and the earthy eggplant flavour in every bite. It's a must-try for anyone who wants to introduce themselves to authentic Indian flavours in one simple and delicious dish.

Ingredients required for Baingan Fry

250 gms brinjal
1 tsp red chilli powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
Hing
4-5 tbsp rice flour
4-6 tbsp oil
Salt

Cooking steps for Baingan Fry

1
Start with the recipe of Baingan fry by giving those brinjals a good rinse under running water—they deserve it.
2
Slice them into uniform rounds about 0.5 cm thick.
3
Now grab a bowl or pan, fill it with enough water to submerge all those slices, and toss in 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
4
Drop the brinjal slices in and let them chill there for about 10 minutes.
5
This step is the magic that keeps them from turning brown and cuts down any bitterness lurking in there.
6
Once the timer's up, drain the water and pat them dry with a kitchen towel or some paper napkins.
7
Lay them out on a plate like they're about to hit the runway.
8
Sprinkle over the slices a mix of 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, one teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder (for that fiery colour, not heat), a pinch of hing and some salt to taste.
9
Flip those slices around to make sure they're evenly coated—it's like giving them a little spa treatment, but spicy.
10
Let them sit for a few minutes to soak up all the flavour goodness.
11
Meanwhile, grab 4-5 tablespoons of rava, gram flour, or rice flour (whatever you vibe with), and spread it out on a plate.
12
This will be the crispy coating that takes your brinjal fry to the next level.
13
Heat up 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet, frying pan, or tawa on medium heat.
14
Coat each brinjal slice in your flour of choice, shaking off any excess (because nobody likes a gloopy fry), and lay them down gently into the hot oil.
15
Fry one side until it's golden and crisp, then flip and repeat on the other side.
16
Give each slice a couple of turns to make sure they're cooked evenly.
17
Work in batches of 4-5 slices at a time, adding more oil as needed.
18
When the slices are gloriously golden and crispy, transfer them to paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
19
For a finishing touch, sprinkle over some freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a pop of green and a burst of freshness.
20
Serve your Baingan Fry hot and watch it disappear faster than you can say "crispy perfection."

Shop Ingredients

Brinjal (250 gms)

Hing

182

112

110

205

Garam Masala (1/2 Tsp)

100

109

100

Salt

113

105

107

125

Rice Flour (4-5 Tbsp)

Red Chilli Powder (1 Tsp)

540

Oil (4-6 Tbsp)

171

148

150

160

151

152

765

151

188

332

Turmeric Powder (1/2 Tsp)

101

225

212

279

FAQs

What type of eggplant is best for baingan fry?

For baingan fry, it is best to use small to medium-sized eggplants. It should be a variety with few seeds and a smoother surface to absorb spices well. Large, mature ones should be avoided; they are bitter and spongy. Select the brightest, glossiest, smooth-skinned eggplant, firm to the touch when you lightly press them.

Is there a way to make sure that the baingan fry is crispy?

In preparing the slices for crispy baingan fry, they should be thick enough since fragile pieces can burn. Sprinkle a little salt on the pieces and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. Draw the excess moisture out of them, then pat dry with a paper towel to remove any water. Fry the eggplant pieces on medium-high heat in hot oil. Fry them in batches so they don't overcrowd the pan. They will fry evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.

Can I make this baingan fry without frying?

Of course, you can also make this version of baingan fry more healthily by grilling or baking slices of eggplant. If you grill it, brush the oil and your spice mix to the slices before putting it on medium heat until golden and crispy brown. Set the oven to 400 F or 200 C for baking, lay eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method reduces the intake of oil but produces a deliciously crispy outcome.