Stuffed Eggplant Rice (creamy Yennegai Baath)

Stuffed Eggplant Rice, also known as Creamy Yennegai Baath, is a traditional dish from Uttara Karnataka Cuisine. This flavorful and aromatic dish is made by stuffing baby eggplants with a spicy coconut and peanut mixture, and then cooking them with rice to create a creamy and satisfying meal.

Stuffed Eggplant Rice (creamy Yennegai Baath)

Ingredients

  • 8 baby eggplants
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1/2 cup grated coconut
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash and slit the baby eggplants, keeping them intact at the stem.
  2. Grind the grated coconut and roasted peanuts into a coarse paste.
  3. Stuff the ground mixture into the slit eggplants and set aside.
  4. Heat oil in a large pan and sauté the chopped onions until golden brown.
  5. Add the ginger-garlic paste, chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
  6. Add the stuffed eggplants and cook for 5 minutes, stirring gently.
  7. Wash and drain the basmati rice, then add it to the pan with 2 cups of water and salt. Cover and cook until the rice is tender.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Cooking & Preparation

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

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
8g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pan Knife Cutting board Grinder or food processor

Tools

Stovetop Cooking spoon Cooking pot with lid

Serving suggestions

Serve the Stuffed Eggplant Rice with a side of raita (yogurt dip) and papad (crispy flatbread) for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

Make sure to choose small and tender baby eggplants for this recipe to ensure they cook evenly and have a creamy texture.

Cost

$10