Dahi Baingan ki Sabji (Eggplant in Yogurt Gravy) Recipe
Dahi Baingan is a simple yet flavorful dish made with eggplant (baingan) cooked in a spiced yogurt-based gravy. This North Indian-style sabji is creamy, tangy, and mildly spiced, making it a great accompaniment to rice or roti. The combination of fried or roasted eggplant with yogurt and aromatic spices gives this dish a unique taste and texture.
Ingredients:
For Cooking Eggplant:
- 2 medium-sized eggplants (baingan), sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons oil (for shallow frying)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
For Yogurt Gravy:
- 1 cup curd (yogurt), whisked
- 1 teaspoon gram flour (besan) – optional, to prevent curd from curdling
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (rai)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant
- Wash and cut the eggplants into medium-thick round slices. Do not cut them too thin, or they will become too soft while cooking.
- Sprinkle a little salt and turmeric powder over the slices and keep them aside for 5 minutes. This helps remove any bitterness from the eggplant.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and shallow fry the eggplant slices on medium flame until they turn golden brown on both sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once fried, remove them from the pan and place them on a tissue paper to absorb excess oil. Keep them aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Yogurt Mixture
- Take 1 cup of yogurt in a bowl and whisk it well to make it smooth.
- Add 1 teaspoon of gram flour (besan) to the yogurt and mix well. This prevents the curd from curdling when cooked.
- Add ½ cup of water to the yogurt and keep it aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Masala
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a pan.
- Add mustard seeds (rai) and cumin seeds (jeera). Let them splutter.
- Add chopped green chili and sauté for a few seconds.
- Add ginger paste and garlic paste (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds until the raw smell disappears.
- Add finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
- Now, add chopped tomato and cook until it turns soft and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the masala is well combined.
Step 4: Adding Yogurt & Cooking the Sabji
- Lower the flame and slowly pour the whisked yogurt mixture into the pan while stirring continuously.
- Cook on low flame for 3-4 minutes while stirring to avoid curdling.
- Once the yogurt mixture thickens slightly, add the fried eggplant slices and mix gently.
- Cover and cook for another 5 minutes on low flame so that the eggplant absorbs the flavors.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix well.
Step 5: Garnishing & Serving
- Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with roti, paratha, or steamed rice.
Tips & Variations:
- Frying vs. Roasting Eggplant: Instead of frying, you can also roast the eggplant slices in an air fryer or grill them for a healthier option.
- Preventing Curdling: Always whisk the yogurt well before adding it to the sabji, and cook it on low heat. Adding besan helps in maintaining a smooth consistency.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili according to your preference. If you like it spicier, you can add more green chilies or a pinch of black pepper.
- Additional Flavors: You can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) while tempering for extra aroma. Some people also add a little bit of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for a rich taste.
- Vegan Option: Replace yogurt with coconut milk or cashew yogurt for a dairy-free version.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Rice: Dahi Baingan tastes delicious when served with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice. The creamy texture of the dish complements the fluffy rice perfectly.
- With Roti or Paratha: You can also enjoy it with soft chapati, phulka, or crispy paratha.
- Side Dish: This sabji pairs well with dal-rice or any North Indian thali meal.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Protein: ~5g
- Fats: ~10g
- Fiber: ~4g
Dahi Baingan is not only tasty but also nutritious. Eggplants are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, while yogurt provides probiotics that aid digestion.
Conclusion
Dahi Baingan ki Sabji is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the creaminess of yogurt and the soft texture of eggplants, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether served with rice or roti, this dish is sure to impress with its tangy, mildly spiced flavor. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a comforting and wholesome meal! Would you like any variations or additional tips?