How to Prepare Begun Bhaji

Begun bhaji is simply fried eggplant or fried aubergine. Best served as a side dish. It’s commonly found in Bangladeshi restaurants especially in Birmingham and Bristol for some reason. 

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Serves: 3-4; Preparation time: 10 minutes; Cooking time: 30 minutes; Total time; 40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• One large aubergine or egg plant, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne powder or  chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
• 3 tablespoons olive or rapeseed oil. The latter gives it a different pungency pungency.
• Additional oil to for frying (sunflower oil is always good)

Preparation:

• In a medium sized bowl, mix all the spices and add the oil.
• In a flat ovenproof dish, place the aubergine/begun slices and marinade with this mix.
• Make sure you cover both sides of the sliced egg-plant and set aside
• Add a small amount of oil into frying pan and place on high heat
• As soon as the oil appears to start smoking, put a single layer of eggplant into the pan or as much as can be fitted suitably
• Turn down the heat and sauté until almost cooked but not burned. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Flip each one and continue to saute the other side.
• You might need to add a little bit more oil and also turn up the heat
• Repeat until all the slices are cooked