BENGALI Baingan Shukto

BENGAL  

 Geographical and ethno-linguistic region in South Asia; in the Eastern region of the Indian subcontinent - comprises present day nation of Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.

SHUKTO  

 A traditional Bengali cuisine prepared using different types of  vegetables, but in this recipe I have just used Eggplant (Baingan) as main vegetable with Bengali seasoning - panch phoran.  This dish goes well with plain rice and any Indian bread varieties!!

 

Ingredients

1 large eggplant- cut into bite size cubes

1 each - sliced onion & tomato

ginger-garlic to taste

green chillies to taste

salt to taste

pinch of hing & turmeric powder

2 tsp. poppy seeds

1/2 cup plain yogurt

2 tsp. Panch Phoran (Bengali seasoning - contains 5 different spices in seed form - cumin, fennel, fenugreek, nigella, black mustard seeds)

2 tsp. each of - sugar, sabji masala, red chilli powder, dry mango powder, besan flour)

2-3 tsps oil
1 tsp. chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Method

PANCH (5) PHORAN (SPICES) - Cumin, Fennel, Fenugreek, Nigella, Black mustard

Heat oil in a pan, add Panch Phoran (Bengali seasoning) and fry for few minutes.  Add onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies - fry until tender

Add eggplant and cook until tender, Slowly add other ingredients, salt - keep cooking on medium flame until the gravy thickens. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves - serve hot!!