If you love the smoky and aromatic flavors of traditional Indian cuisine, then Baingan Bharta is a must-try dish. This popular vegetarian dish is made from roasted eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. Traditionally, Baingan Bharta is cooked over an open flame to give it that smoky flavor, but you can easily make it in a microwave oven as well. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making Baingan Bharta in a microwave oven, so that you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.
To start, you will need a medium-sized eggplant. Wash the eggplant thoroughly and make a few slits on the surface using a knife. This will prevent it from bursting in the microwave. Next, place the eggplant on a microwave-safe plate and cook it on high power for around 10-12 minutes, or until the skin becomes wrinkled and the eggplant feels soft when pressed.
Once the eggplant is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes. Once it has cooled down, gently peel off the skin. The flesh of the eggplant should be soft and easily mashable. Mash the eggplant using a fork or a potato masher until it becomes a smooth pulp.
Next, heat some oil in a microwave-safe bowl and add finely chopped onions and tomatoes. Microwave this mixture on high power for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions and tomatoes become soft and translucent. Stir in the mashed eggplant pulp, along with spices like turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt to taste. Mix everything well and microwave it again for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Finally, garnish the Baingan Bharta with fresh coriander leaves and serve it hot with naan bread or steamed rice. This delicious and nutritious dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a flavorful Indian dish. So, why wait? Try making Baingan Bharta in your microwave oven today and savor the taste of authentic Indian flavors.
Ingredients for Baingan Bharta in Microwave Oven
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Baingan Bharta in a microwave oven:
- 1 large eggplant (baingan)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Make sure you have all the ingredients before you start making Baingan Bharta in the microwave oven. This will ensure that the cooking process goes smoothly.
Steps to Make Baingan Bharta in Microwave Oven
Preparing baingan bharta in a microwave oven is a quick and easy way to enjoy this traditional Indian dish. Follow these simple steps to make baingan bharta in your microwave oven:
Step 1: Roast the Eggplant
Wash the eggplant and pat it dry. Prick the skin of the eggplant with a fork in multiple places. This will prevent it from exploding in the microwave. Place the eggplant on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it on high for 6-8 minutes, or until the skin becomes charred and the flesh feels soft. Remove the eggplant from the microwave and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion-Tomato Mixture
In the meantime, heat oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Add chopped onions and microwave for 2 minutes, stirring once after 1 minute. Then, add chopped tomatoes, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and microwave for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 3: Peel and Mash the Eggplant
Once the roasted eggplant has cooled, peel off the charred skin. Transfer the roasted eggplant flesh to a microwave-safe bowl and mash it well using a fork or potato masher. Lightly sprinkle salt and microwave for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Mix the Onion-Tomato Mixture with Eggplant
Add the prepared onion-tomato mixture to the mashed eggplant. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Microwave the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baingan bharta from the microwave oven and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.
Enjoy your homemade baingan bharta right from the microwave oven! The smoky and spicy flavors of this traditional Indian dish will surely impress your friends and family.
FAQ
What is baingan bharta?
Baingan bharta is a popular Indian dish made from roasted eggplant, cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices.
Can I make baingan bharta in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can make baingan bharta in a microwave oven. It is a quick and convenient way to prepare this dish.
What ingredients do I need to make baingan bharta in a microwave oven?
To make baingan bharta in a microwave oven, you will need eggplant, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, green chilies, vegetable oil, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and fresh cilantro leaves.
How do I cook the eggplant in a microwave oven for making baingan bharta?
To cook the eggplant in a microwave oven for making baingan bharta, you need to prick the eggplant with a fork, wrap it in a wet paper towel, and microwave it on high for about 10-12 minutes or until the skin is charred and the flesh becomes soft.
What can I serve with baingan bharta?
Baingan bharta can be served with naan, roti, or rice. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish with any Indian meal.