Baigan Bharta (Indian Eggplant Curry) - Healthy Vegetarian Recipe

Baigan Bharta is a curry dish from India. The main ingredient in roasted eggplant. It's a light and healthy meal but yet filling and delicious. That's a combination doesn't come along very often.  Oh, and it's easy to make. You do need to allot some time for roasting the eggplant, but even that doesn't take very long. 

Gharam Masala is a spice blend found in Indian cooking that generally includes coriander, cumin, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, mace, fenugreek and nutmeg.  You can often find this spice blend in the ethnic section of the grocery store or in with the bulk spices.  Or if you are so lucky to have an Indian grocery in town, they will surely carry this staple of Indian cooking.  There is some variation in the spices and proportions used.  And if you are really hard up you can substitute curry powder. 

Gharam Masala is usually not a hot spicy mixture.  We are going to add a green chili to the Baigan Bharta to bring in the heat and then temper by serving with a dollop of plain yogurt.  The green peas add a burst of brightness and the lime and coriander leaves (which by the way are simply cilantro) keep the flavors clean.  Served over a half cup of brown rice, delicious!

1 eggplant, medium