Summer started with a heavy down pour of rain for us, which continued for the past two days. The need for quick and easy summer meals was the order of the day, yet something spicy & delicious to enjoy watching the summer rains with, was calling my name.
What better than this Punjabi ( a northern state in India ) version of Baingan Bharta ? It is a vegetarian dish, which originated in Punjab, that is prepared by mincing eggplant (baingan) that is grilled over charcoal or direct fire. This infuses the dish with a smoky flavour. A very popular vegetarian dish in the Indian cuisine and a hot favorite of many, is easy to prepare & delicious when served with Indian flat breads. Baingan Bharta is the Indian version of Baba Ghanoush, the Levantine or Syrian dish of mashed cooked eggplant.
The white roses I had picked from the flower market, on my way back from the grocers were sitting pretty on my dining table,
nothing like starting summer on a right note with fresh cut flowers and delicious food. Let the celebrations for the much awaited warm weather begin !
Happy Summer !
Some of the links to my previously published recipes with eggplants are listed below for your interest.
- https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/tempered-eggplant-curry-bagara-baingan/
- https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/eggplant-stir-fry-baingan-bharta-punjabi-version/
- https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/eggplant-brinjal-thokku/
- https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/methi-baingan-fenugreek-with-eggplant-curry/
- https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/smoked-eggplant-curry/
- https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/dahi-baingan-how-to-make-it/
- https://stirringmyspicysoul.com/eggplant-brinjal/