Last week I spoke with Jahnavi of Indian Khana Made Easy, and we discovered we had a lot in common. Most of all, we like short cuts, and we love fusion. She told me about her easy recipe for Baingan Bharta, where she uses BBQ sauce to cut 30 minutes off the prep time since it takes the place of having to grill or roast the eggplant that gives this dish its signature smokey flavor. Then, she told me something even better: “You should try it on a grilled cheese sandwich.”
Sistah!
After the piles of delicious Khichdi I made last week – overestimating the amount I needed – I went a little too conservative on the ingredients for Baingan Bharta and didn’t have enough to try more than one way. Lesson here: always make enough for leftovers. But here’s what I did end up with: Baingan Bharta with turkey meatballs (with a side of leftover Khichdi, of course). Incredible!
But, not having had Baingan Bharta ever before, I needed to know if Jahnavi’s recipe with the BBQ cheat was close to the real thing. So I went out for Baingan Bharta…and…
Jahnavi nailed it. Her recipe gets the WanderFoodie Seal of Approval (not that it needs it). And it opens up a world of fusion possibilities, because if it’s good on grilled cheese, and with turkey meatballs, how would it be on flatbread? Baingan Pizza? Baingan Grilled Chicken? Baingan Sweet Potato fry Poutine?!
I am so excited about Baingan Bharta.
What are you excited about this week? Tell me in the comments, and if you’ve got a food or travel related blog post up, join the link party that is WanderFood Wednesday by entering in the name of your post and the link below!