These easy to make Eggplant Sticks aka Baingan Baja are insanely delicious. Inspired by the classic Bengali dish Begun Bhaja, but still different. Low-Fat. 5 easy ingredients. Under 30 minutes. Lip-smackingly delicious. Vegan. Gluten Free.
Hi folks, Anvita back again. Before we dive into the post, I have a story to tell. For the last 40 minutes, I have been so confused about what to write for this post. I was staring blank at the screen trying to figure out the right title for this post but I was just never convinced with anything. Finally, I just got on the phone with Soniya and we thought the title of this post should be 'Non-Traditional Baingan Bhaja Sticks'. Oh!!! I will tell you why in just a minute. First of all, it's the not traditional Baingan Bhaja recipe, however, it is surely inspired from the classic Bengali Begun Bhaja. For those of you who haven't heard or tried it before (I hadn't until after my wedding), it's spiced eggplant discs that are deep fried. Trust me they taste yum. I confess I love those spiced eggplant discs but can't afford all the oil so this is my variation of it. Honestly, I was introduced to this recipe by my MIL. She spent some of her teenage time in Kolkotta and that's how she was introduced to Begun Bhaja. She often makes the traditional Baingan Bhaja but sometimes she makes this non-traditional version which I love too.
Although it's not the traditional Baingan Bhaja, it 's a minimalist version and still tastes super yummy and will leave you licking your fingers.Traditional Begun Bhaja is made by coating several spices like paprika, turmeric, cumin powder, dry mango powder and even garam masala. Some folks use gram flour/besan while others use rice flour to make the discs crispy. Think of it as savory and tangy eggplant sticks. In this recipe, we have used very minimal ingredients and tried to keep it low fat. Little A isn't can't take a lot of spicy food so I usually mellow it down for him. So for this preparation, I used only used turmeric, salt, rice flour, a little mustard oil and some lemon juice. With just 5 easily available ingredients this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. Traditionally eggplant is cut into discs however, I cut them into sticks as I was using the long Chinese Eggplant.
It doesn't matter what variety of eggplant you use and what shape you cut it into, this recipe will taste yummy, never the less. Ofcourse feel free to add in the other spices and make this recipe your own. You won't regret it at all. For those who follow the blog regularly will know that I didn't start eating Eggplant until like 10 years ago. Now I love this vegetable. If you have been under estimating the flavors, then some of our recipes will change your mind. Check out our Smoky Eggplant Dip, Eggplant Stir Fry Lettuce Wraps, Roasted Eggplant & Tomato Soup after this post. Drop in your comment below and tell us if,
You have tried Eggplant before?
Do you make recipes with eggplant?
Do you have a favorite eggplant recipe?
OR do you have a recipe that your mom or MIL or Grandmother used to make that you absolutely love?
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Baingan Bhaja Sticks / Spiced Eggplant Sticks (V+GF)
Ingredients
- 4 chinese eggplants
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- salt to taste
- 1 fresh lemon
Instructions
Thoroughly wash the eggplant and cut it into sticks.
In large wide mixing bowl, add in the eggplant sticks, [rice flour|http://amzn.to/2wSVfAI], [turmeric|http://amzn.to/2xrxLTU] and [salt|http://amzn.to/2jgrQuE] and 1 tablespoon [mustard oil|http://amzn.to/2wVRhH3]. Mix well, making sure that the dry ingredients have been coated onto the sticks properly.
Heat the [mustard oil|http://amzn.to/2wVRhH3] in a [pan|http://amzn.to/2eRwHxt] and pan smear these eggplant sticks, on both sides until they are cooked from the inside.
Arrange the sticks in serving bowl or plate, garnish with cilantro and lemon juice. Serve it warm as a side or main dish with Indian flatbreads like Roti or Naan.
nbosken says
I do not have a favorite eggplant recipe. I like eggplant, however it's not my favorite. I love this recipe though. It seems like they are super flavorful.
Nicole says
Egg plants recipes are usually great. I really like this one too! Egg plants are yummy and healthy!
Kim Lee (@KimsCravings) says
What a unique dish and it looks so delicious! Can't wait to give it a try!
Shannon Gurnee says
I love eggplant, but I haven't had it in forever! This looks and sounds like a yummy recipe.
Rebecca Swenor says
We love eating eggplant with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese on top. These spiced eggplant sticks look delicious and I would love to try this recipe. My son just went vegetarian and he is always looking for new recipes so I will have to share this with him. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Kelly Hutchinson (@KickingWKelly) says
I don't eat eggplant much, but these look delicious! I love that they have a spiced kick to them.
Jess Holmes says
No matter how hard I try, I can't do eggplant. It's something with the texture that gets me. I'm sure my hubby would dig these though.
Ruth I. says
One of the most affordable vegetable here is eggplant so I am excited to see recipes for it. It looks so delicious and easy!
homemadeforelle says
I haven't cooked much with eggplant, but this recipe makes me want to start! It looks absolutely delicious!
Dhwani Mehta says
Wow... This recipe is really new for me. I love eggplants. I will give this a try. Thanks for sharing. :)
April Smith Decheine says
Wow, those sound delicious! I have not had egg plant in some time, I usually make lasagna with them. This looks pretty easy.
Jagruti says
I love eggplant and I am so ready for this recipe! can't wait.
Claudia Krusch says
I love to cook with eggplant. This recipe looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to give it a try on the weekend. I am sure it will be a big hit.
beccajtalbot says
I really love aubergine (or eggplant as you call it lol) - but I've never tried a recipe like this for it before! So thanks for sharing, as I'm always looking for new ways to eat it x
jayashreetrao says
This tastes yummy with any meal. Here it is called as Kappa. Nice clicks
Crystal says
I have never been a big fan of eggplant, but these look like something I could eat! The recipe sounds right up my alley too, thanks for sharing.
Srivalli Jetti says
Ah that's really very new for me!..I am sure it tastes wonderful with all that spices in it..
firsttimercook says
Mine all time favourite soniya ?
Nisha Ramesh says
Wow, your picture speaks so much for this lovely dish. :) :) Absolutely lovely. I have not tried many Bengali dishes and this could be a start. I have bookmarked it.
shibani says
These Yummy eggplant sticks are to die for...
Lathiya says
Eggplant sticks..lovely thought and delicious
Josselyn Radillo says
I love eggplant and I would try these recipe as soon as get out of my detox season =)
tara pittman says
I love grilled eggplant. I need to try this recipe.
Nicole says
These aubergine sticks look quite delightful and would make a great tasty snack! I love that they are crispy on the outside and soft inside!
Pavani says
I LOVE eggplant and your version of baingan bhaja sounds absolutely delicious. I'm going to try it out real soon.
Sarah Bailey says
Ohh now these sound interesting, I would absolutely love to give them a whirl what a great idea of something to do with eggplant.
Shubha says
The baingan looks delicious Anvita and love the clicks too:)