Baigan Bharta (Mashed Eggplant)

Baigun Bharta is a traditional and very popular dish made in South Asia. You’ll typically find it on the menu at Indian restaurants and I guess the best way I can describe it, is that it is similar in texture to Middle Eastern Baba Ghanoush. (If you don’t have a Ninja Foodi, don’t fret. You can still make this amazing dish! Click here to see how).

Ingredients:                                       

1 large eggplant (aka aubergine)

1/4 red onion

2-3 thai green chillies (depending on how hot you like it)                     

1 tablespoon Mustard oil

A handful of Fresh Coriander (cilantro)

Salt to taste

How to:

• Cut the eggplant/aubergine into cubes and soak in water for about 10 -15 minutes in a large bowl.

• Wash and drain the eggplant and place in the Ninja Foodi Air Crisp basket. Pour 1 cup of water into the Ninja pot.

• Assemble the pressure cooking lid, turn the valve to Seal, and set the pressure to 10 mins on High. Hit start. Now you can prepare the other ingredients.
  
• Thinly slice or dice the onion and toss into a large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients above and mix well.
  
• Once the pressure cooking is done, release the valve by turning it to Vent. Once all the pressure has been released, carefully remove the lid.
  
• Place eggplant in the bowl with your mixture in it and mash well whilst mixing in all the flavors. Add salt and mustard oil to taste as needed.

Recommendations: This dish is served cold and can be eaten with rice or chapatti. Also goes really well with daal (lentil curry). 

Recipe & image by Sabina Huq