Eggplant or baigan is a versatile vegetable, used widely across Indian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. From smoky bharta to grilled mezze, it is used in many forms and is known as a low-calorie vegetable rich in fibre, antioxidants like nasunin, and essential minerals that support heart and gut health. Its subtle, slightly sweet taste makes it an excellent base for both bold spices and simple seasonings. In a recent list by Taste Atlas on 100 Best Rated Dishes with Eggplant, two classic Indian dishes have been mentioned in it. Scroll down to read the details.

Baingan Bharta, 49, India

Baingan bharta is a vegetarian side dish that is very popular in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh due to its rich aroma and flavor. It consists of minced and grilled eggplants that are combined with coriander, onion, chilies, and mustard oil, making it an ideal winter dish that is commonly consumed with Indian flatbreads or rice. As per the website, it was invented by the Punjabis, but as time went by, it crossed the Punjab borders and became popular throughout India and in other countries.

Aloo Baingan,71, India

As per the website, aloo baingan is a dish made with a combination of eggplants and potatoes, cooked together with onions, tomatoes, and various spices. The name of the dish specifies its key ingredients, since aloo means potatoes, and baingan means eggplant. Basically, it is a type of sabzi (dry curry) that is usually served with flatbreads such as roti and naan. Aloo baingan is a popular Indian lunch item that is commonly packed in lunch boxes throughout Northern India.

Pasta ‘ncasciata, 1, Italy

It is a traditional pasta dish originating from Sicily, Italy. It is made with penne pasta along with rich tomato sauce, cubes of fried eggplant, and pieces of cheese such as caciocavallo or mozzarella, and bechamel sauce. The combination is placed in a springform cake tin, sprinkled with breadcrumbs, then baked until the filling becomes hot.

Pado’lalo’, 100, Guam

It is a Chamorro dish made with an unusual combination of ingredients. It consists of grilled eggplants, chopped green onions, local hot peppers, lemon juice, and coconut milk. The dish is suitable for vegetarians and is typically seasoned only with salt.

Beguni, 31, Bangladesh

It is categorised as a dish native to Bangladesh and is made with eggplant, rice and gram flour, along with a blend of spices including turmeric, chili powder, and cumin. Beguni is a Bengali dish, eaten both in Bangladesh and India. It is usually served with a yogurt-based sauce or chutney on the side, and it is usually enjoyed as a snack or street food. A similar dish is known as begun bhaji, but the slices are mostly vertical and are rarely dipped in batter, the website reads.

Baba Ghanoush, 15, Lebanon

It is another popular dish, which is basically a cold eggplant-based spread made primarily from cooked eggplant combined with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to form a smooth or lightly textured paste.

Images Courtesy: istock