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–+ servings

Eggplant and Pea Curry - Baingan Bharta

Catherine BarclayCatherine Barclay
A smoky, mashed eggplant curry simmered with sweet green peas, tomatoes, and warming spices. This rustic North Indian classic delivers deep, earthy flavour with a naturally creamy texture—comforting, vibrant, and perfect with roti or rice.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lrg eggplant
  • 1 cup green peas fresh or frozen
  • 2 med brown onions finely diced
  • 3 lrg tomatoes diced, or one 400g can crushed tomatoes
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 1-2 green chillies remove seeds and chop finely (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder (cilantro)
  • ½ tsp red chilli powder
  • pepper to release the turmeric

Instructions
 

  • Prick the eggplant with a fork in a few places. Roast it directly over a gas flame or under a broiler, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Once cool, peel off the burnt skin and mash the insides.
    If you don't have a gas stove, you can add a drop of liquid smoke or a pinch of Smoked Paprika to the mash to mimic that traditional clay-oven flavour.
  • Heat a splash of water or vegetable broth in a pan. Add cumin seeds. Once they sizzle, add the onions. Sauté until translucent, adding tiny splashes of water whenever the onions start to stick. This replaces the need for oil!
  • Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chillies. Cook for two minutes. Add the turmeric, coriander powder, and chili powder. Stir quickly so the spices don't burn.
  • Add the diced tomatoes and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes break down into a soft paste. Stir in the peas and cook for 3–4 minutes until they are tender.
  • Fold in the roasted, mashed eggplant. Mix thoroughly so it absorbs the spices. Let it simmer on low heat for about five minutes to allow the flavours to marry.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in plenty of fresh cilantro (coriander) .. optional
  • If you like a creamier bharta, use a potato masher directly in the pan for a minute.
  • This pairs perfectly with WFPB-compliant whole wheat roti or over a bed of brown basmati rice.
Keyword Fiber rich, Fibre rich, no oil, plant-based, vegan, wfpb, wfpbnooil, wholefoods
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