Begun Bhaja, meaning fried aubergine, is a beloved Bengali dish of thin aubergine rounds coated in spiced flour and fried to a crisp, amber finish. The key to nailing this simple snack lies in balancing the salt and aubergine's natural flavour, then frying slowly in hot mustard oil for an irresistibly crunchy exterior and melt-in-the-mouth centre. Serve piping hot alongside dal-chawal for a satisfying Bengali meal.
Sunrise tip: For the most seed-free slices, look for the slender, elongated 'male' variety of aubergine at your local market.
Time: 2 minutes
Take some Sunrise Shorshe Posto Powder in a small bowl, add a pinch or salt and lukewarm water to it.
Mix well and make it into a slurry. Keep it aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
Time: 3 minutes
In a bowl of aubergine slices, combine the Sunrise Red Chilli powder, Sunrise Turmeric powder, Sunrise Cumin powder, Sunrise Coriander powder, ginger paste, garlic paste, Sunrise Shorshe Posto slurry, gram flour and salt.
Gently toss to coat evenly with the spice mix with your hands.
Time: 3 minutes
Set a deep frying pan or kadai on medium heat and pour in the Sunrise Mustard oil.
Allow it to heat up well but not start smoking. To check if it's ready, drop in a small piece of aubergine; it should sizzle immediately.
Time: 10 minutes
Once the oil is hot, carefully slide in the floured aubergine slices in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for 3-5 minutes on medium-low heat, flipping occasionally, until both sides turn an even golden-amber and crisp up beautifully.
Time: 2 minutes
Use a slotted spoon to lift out the fried aubergine, letting any excess oil drip back into the pan.
Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper and let the slices drain for a minute.
Begun Bhaja tastes best served piping hot, fresh out of the kadai. Enjoy as a tea-time snack or alongside steamed rice, dal, aloo posto or shukto for an authentic Bengali spread.
Main Dish: Bengali-style masoor dal, Shukto (mixed vegetable stew)
Accompaniment: Steamed rice, Luchi (Bengali puffed bread)