Begun Poda is a classic Bengali Recipe. Begun refers to Eggplant, Poda means roast, and now you know why this dish must be such a favorite to many. Roasted eggplant is a delicious treat and prepared is so many different ways in different parts of the world. While I love all of those versions, this bengali style roasted eggplant – Begun Poda will always remain my favorite. It’s comforting with steamed white rice!
The taste of Begun Poda is extremely earthy from charring the eggplant in open fire, and the mustard oil along with raw onion adds a lovely pungent flavor.
We like it spicy, so we add a few green chilies too and for the ultimate refreshing flavor to balance it all, a good dose of fresh cilantro leaves.
Ingredients for Begun Poda
Eggplant – You definitely need the big ones or the long ones. Making this with the small eggplants might not give that flavor or texture.
Red onion – I added a small red onion, but you can add more or else. Also, I wouldn’t recommend substituting red onion with white or yellow onion unless you absolute have to.
Tomato – This is optional. Sometimes I don’t like to add tomato, but most often I do because it adds a lovely sweetness.
Cilantro leaves – When you prepare the dish, you will realize how important it is to use fresh cilantro leaves to the dish. It brings a refreshing flavor to the earthy roasted eggplant.
Green chili – Again optional, but the refreshing heat from the charred green chili is unbeatable.
Salt for seasoning
Mustard oil – A mandate for Begun Poda. It is easily available in any Indian stores nearby and also in Amazon. Here is a link
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How is Begun Poda different from Baigan Bharta?
Baigan Bharta is a classic-roasted eggplant dish popular is North of India.
The difference is that in Begun Poda, we don’t cook the eggplant once it’s roasted. We mash it with other ingredients and enjoy it with rice. As compared to Baigan Bharta where the roasted eggplant is cooked with onion, tomato and few other spices. I often love to enjoy Baigan Bharta with roti or paratha.
Can you roast Eggplant in oven or grill?
YES! However, for the best flavor and texture, I will highly recommend roasting the eggplant in direct open fire.
Here are few other Bengali Eggplant Recipes
Macher Jhol Aloo Begun Diye
Doi Begun (Eggplant In Spiced Yogurt)
Shim Beguner Chorchori
Begun Poda is a classic Bengali Recipe. Begun refers to Eggplant, Poda means roast and now you know why this dish must be such a favorite to many. Roasted eggplant is a delicious treat and prepared is so many different ways in different parts of the world. While I love all of those versions, Begun Poda will always remain my favorite. All nutrition information presented are intended for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Begun Poda
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Yield 3 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 164Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 0mgSodium 882mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 8gSugar 12gProtein 4g
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Priya
June 22, 2020 at 2:56 PMBegun Poda looks so delicious. It is similar to baigan bhartha. I came here after a long time as I was little bit occupied in my shifting. I am loving your new theme and logo too.
have a great day ahead dear.