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Begun Pora
Photo: Stephanie Studer

Begun Pora

14 ingredients 13 steps fandom
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Estimated Nutrition (whole recipe, rough)

293
Calories
4g
Protein
15g
Fat
40g
Carbs

Counts 11 of 12 ingredients — the other 1 aren't in our nutrition table and contribute nothing above, so the real totals are higher.

What these numbers assume — 11 portions →
Ingredient Portion assumed kcal
Olive Oil 1 tbsp (14g) 119
Sugar 1 tbsp (12.5g) granulated 49
Onion 1 medium (110g) 44
Eggplant 1 cup cubed (82g) 35
Tomato 1 medium (123g) 22
Turmeric 1 tsp ground (3g) 9
Chili 1 tsp (2.7g) 8
Garlic 1 clove (3g) 4
Ginger 1 tsp grated fresh (2g) 2
Cilantro 1 tbsp chopped fresh (1g) 1
Salt 1 tsp (6g) 0
Seed not in our table 0

Totals for the whole recipe, adding one typical portion per ingredient — listed above. Quantities in the recipe are not counted, so this is a rough guide only — not suitable for medical or dietary planning.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon kalonji seeds (also called jeera, tastes like onion)
  • 1 to 2 whole green chilies
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped (about 1 medium onion)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon seeded, minced fresh green chili
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Chopped green onions

Directions

1

Smoke or roast the eggplant: Hold the eggplant over a low open gas flame.

2

Rotate the eggplant 90 degrees every few minutes or so. The skin will gradually darken, the eggplant will start to sag, and you will notice a pleasant smoky smell.

3

After about 20 minutes or half an hour, when the skin is completely charred, remove the eggplant from the flame.

4

This step can be done by broiling or roasting the eggplant in the oven, but you will not get the same smoky flavour which makes this dish so good.

5

Allow the eggplant to cool, then discard all of the skin, chop the flesh then mash with a fork.

6

Heat oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Fry kalonji seeds and whole green chilies for a few seconds, then add onion and fry until it is richly browned but not burnt.

7

Add chopped green chili, turmeric, salt, sugar and tomatoes. Simmer, covered, until tomatoes disintegrate into sauce, about 10 minutes.

8

Add the eggplant and simmer, covered, at least 10 minutes to blend flavours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove from heat. Let stand 15 minutes to help develop flavours.

9

Add cilantro & green onions. Mix and serve.

10

Like most Indian dishes, this is one that improves drastically with age. I usually make it the day before the meal & then reheat just before serving.

11

Category:Indian Recipes

12

Category:Bengali

13

Category:Bengali Vegetarian

Recipe sourced from fandom

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