DOI BEGUN

Doi begun is fried eggplants in yogurt gravy. With the ongoing heat, I feel like having more veggies than meats. As for fish, I am always game for it, in any given situation. The veggie preparations have to be tasty and full of flavour with the right kind of tadka. I always keep a bowlful of plain yogurt at home, keeping in mind its multiple use. I prefer  substituting yogurt for cream in my cooking. Our type of cooking does not require cream much. Given my heavy stature, I am too scared using cream on a regular basis. Using yogurt is quite common in Indian or its' subcontinents' cooking. It adds to the taste and texture of the gravy.


Doi Begun/ Dahi Baingan is a popular dish in India.The actual region of its origin is not known. It may be cooked in most of the regions with little variations in the method and use of spices. Mostly the yogurt is beaten with spices and poured over the fried brinjal. But I cook it for 2-3 minutes along with the tempering. I use little sugar to adjust the sour taste. The other day I had few  brinjals and hence the idea of Doi Begun popped up. This simple dish helps you to beat the heat.

INGREDIENTS :

Eggplant : 1big or 2-3 medium sized
Yogurt[plain] : 200gm
Mustard Seed : 2tsp
Green Chilli : 3-4
Nigella Seed : 2-3pinches
Turmeric Powder : 1/2tsp
Salt : As required
Sugar : 1/4tsp [optional]
Oil : 2tbsp

METHOD :

Wash and cut the eggplants into desired shapes. Apply little salt and turmeric powder to it. Soak the mustard seeds in water for about an hour. Strain the water, prepare a paste of it along with the green chillies, little salt and 2-3 ice cubes.

Heat oil in a pan. Fry the eggplant pieces in batches till golden brown. Temper the remaining oil with 2 pinches of nigella seeds. Add the spiced yogurt. Add 1/2 cup water to the yogurt bowl, mix well with the remaining yogurt. Pour over the yogurt mix. Stir well.

Let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar. Cook for another minute. Its done!

Arrange the fried eggplants on a plate. Pour the yogurt sauce over it!

Serve with piping hot steamed rice/roti!! Get some "kolai er dal o aloo bhaja" as in the picture and a wonderful vegetarian meal is ready.