Baingan bharta

Baingan Bharta is a beloved dish throughout the Indian subcontinent, particularly cherished in regions like Punjab. This vegetarian delight begins with grilling eggplant over charcoal, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor. The grilled eggplant is then mashed and combined with sautéed tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. It is commonly enjoyed with flatbread, rice, or raita.

The dish varies in name and preparation depending on the region. In Gujarat, it is known as Ringan No Oro, typically served with bajra no rotlo and kadhi. In Karnataka, it is called eṇṇegāyi and is accompanied by akki rotti. In Maharashtra, vangyache bharit is a favored dish at social gatherings and weddings.

Baingan Bharta has even been used in activism. Greenpeace volunteers once prepared a massive batch of organic brinjal bharta to protest against genetically modified crops.