Stuffed Eggplant Curry (fragrant Hyderabadi Bagara Baingan)

This Stuffed Eggplant Curry, also known as Fragrant Hyderabadi Bagara Baingan, is a popular dish from the Hyderabadi cuisine. It features tender eggplants stuffed with a flavorful spice mix and cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy.

Vegetarian Gluten Free Main Course Hyderabadi Hyderabadi Cuisine Eggplant Recipe Curry Dish
Stuffed Eggplant Curry (fragrant Hyderabadi Bagara Baingan)

Ingredients

  • 4 small eggplants
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
  • 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
  • 2 tablespoons jaggery or brown sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make a deep cross-shaped incision in each eggplant, keeping the stems intact.
  2. Grind the roasted peanuts and desiccated coconut to a coarse powder. Stuff this mixture into the slit eggplants.
  3. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Once they splutter, add asafoetida and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for a few minutes.
  5. Add tamarind pulp, jaggery, and salt. Mix well and add the stuffed eggplants. Cook for 5 minutes.
  6. Pour in 1 cup of water, cover the pan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the eggplants are tender.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or roti.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
40 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
20g
Protein
5g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pan Spatula Knife Cutting board

Tools

Grinder or food processor

Serving suggestions

Serve the Stuffed Eggplant Curry with steamed rice, naan, or roti for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a spicier curry, increase the amount of red chili powder according to your preference.

Cost

$10