Begun Bhaja (Egg Plant Fry - Bengali Style)

        Begun Bhaja or Eggplant Fry are very commonly had as a side dish in most of the Bengali homes. It goes extremely well with Khichdi, Veg. Pulao, Poori, Paratha or Chapati. I generally like having it mixed with plain steamed rice along with ghee and 1-2 fried whole red chilies. It simply tastes awesome.

          It is a very simple recipe where you need to choose large eggplants which are usually used for making Baingan Bhartas. The thick slices of Eggplants are marinated with salt and turmeric powder and then shallow fried in mustard oil to perfection.

• 1 large Eggplant (those which are used for Baingan Bharta)
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• mustard oil to shallow fry

          Cut the eggplants into 1/2" thick slices. Wash well and drain. Apply salt and turmeric powder and marinate for 10 minutes.

          Heat oil in a pan and fry them in batches on both sides till golden brown. Drain and serve as a side dish with khichdi / plain rice / veg. pulao / poori / paratha or chapatti.