Gujrati Style Bharwa Baigan ( stuffed eggplants )

Bharelu Ringna Nu Shaak/Gujrati Style Bharwa Baigan

Bharwa Baingan also known as “Bharelu Ringna Nu Shaak” in Gujrati is a vegetable prepared using small brinjals filled with sweet , spicy and tangy masala …..
This recipe has been passed On to me direct from my Grandmother’s Kitchen and hold such found memories of my time spend at her place in Ahmedabad . This recipe is very simple yet delicious and can be made quickly….

Serves 4-6 people
Cook time 30 mins

12-14 small bhaigan / eggplants
2 tbs cooking oil
Leftover ground masala
1/4 cup Water or as needed
1 tbs desiccated coconut for garnishing
1 tbs finely chopped cilantro for garnishing

For Masala Ground Coarsely..
Roasted Peanuts – 1/4 cup, coarsely ground
Roasted Sesame seeds – 1/4 cup, coarsely ground
Desiccated coconut – 1/4 cup ( I used dried coconut )
Cilantro/ Coriander leaves – 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Green chilies – 3} finely chopped optional
Ginger paste – 2 tsp
Garlic paste 1 tsp
Red chili powder – 2 tsp or as per taste
Sugar – 1 tbs or as per taste
Salt -as per taste
1/4 teaspoon hing/ asafoetida powder
Juice of a Lemon OR 1 tbs thick tamarind past
Grind all the ingredients mentioned above and keep aside.

Preparation
Make a slit at the bottom of the brinjal vertically towards the stem, making sure not to slice the brinjal in the half. We want the brinjals to be a single piece but slit three fourth way through
Make cut to the chilies .Make sure not to slit all the way through.
Stuff eggplants and chillies with prepared masala.

METHOD

1.Heat the oil in a big enough pan . Once hot add stuffed green chilies and bhaigan along with remaining masala. Mix very gently..
2. Sprinkle around 1/4 cup water on top of the brinjals.
3.Turn the heat to medium low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the brinjals are cooked and roasted on all sides.
4. Turn off the stove, garnish with cilantro and coconut and serve this delicious stuffed eggplants along with poori or Chapatis AND raita or Gujrati kadi on the side …