Brinjal, also known as eggplant or aubergine, is a beloved vegetable in Indian cuisine. Its versatility and ability to soak up spices make it a favorite in many households.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy brinjal in India is through a simple yet flavorful brinjal fry. This dish is a perfect example of how minimal ingredients can transform a humble vegetable into a mouthwatering delight.
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, brinjal fry is a perfect side dish that complements rice, roti, or even as a snack with tea.
Indian brinjal fry recipes vary from region to region, each offering a unique twist with local spices and cooking techniques. Whether you prefer it spicy, tangy, or mildly seasoned, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the classic Indian brinjal fry recipe, the essential ingredients, equipment, step-by-step instructions, and some pro tips to help you make the best version of this delicious dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Indian brinjal fry recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and simple cooking. It’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
The combination of aromatic spices with the creamy texture of brinjal creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. You’ll love how the crispy edges of the fried brinjal pieces add a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains soft and flavorful.
Additionally, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. It pairs beautifully with many Indian staples and can even be enjoyed as a standalone snack.
Once you master this recipe, you may want to explore other Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore or try your hand at some Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more exciting meals.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized brinjals (eggplants), sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds or cubes
- 3 tablespoons oil (preferably mustard oil or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon amchur powder (dry mango powder) or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
- Optional: 1 finely chopped green chili for extra heat
Equipment
- Non-stick or heavy bottom frying pan/skillet
- Knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Serving plate
Instructions
- Prepare the brinjal: Wash the brinjals thoroughly. Slice them into 1/2 inch thick rounds or cubes based on your preference. Soak the slices in salted water for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness and prevent discoloration. Drain and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
- Heat the oil: In a frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter for a few seconds.
- Add the spices: Lower the heat slightly and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir quickly for about 10 seconds to toast the spices without burning.
- Fry the brinjal: Add the brinjal slices or cubes to the pan. Mix well to coat the pieces evenly with the spice mixture and oil. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible.
- Cook thoroughly: Fry the brinjal on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, then flip or stir gently to cook the other side. Continue cooking until the brinjal is tender and develops a crispy golden exterior. This may take an additional 7-10 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid burning but ensure the pieces get evenly fried.
- Add final flavors: Sprinkle garam masala and amchur powder (or lemon juice) over the cooked brinjal. Mix gently and cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or as a side dish with dal and other curries.
Tips & Variations
Tip: To prevent the brinjal from absorbing too much oil, you can sprinkle salt on the slices and let them rest for 15 minutes before frying. This helps to draw out excess moisture.
Variation: For a South Indian twist, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and curry leaves along with mustard seeds and cumin seeds while tempering the oil.
Alternative cooking method: Try air frying the brinjal pieces after coating them with the spice mixture for a healthier, oil-free version. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
You can also explore a slightly different flavor profile by incorporating grated coconut or mustard paste for a Bengali style brinjal fry. For a tangier version, add a spoonful of tamarind paste during the final cooking stage.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (100g) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Protein | 1.2 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Vitamin C | 3 mg |
Potassium | 230 mg |
This dish is low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. The antioxidants in brinjal, like nasunin, provide additional health benefits including heart health and anti-inflammatory properties.
Serving Suggestions
Brinjal fry pairs beautifully with many Indian meals. Serve it alongside your favorite dal and steamed basmati rice for a comforting combo.
It also complements roti, naan, or parathas perfectly. For a quick meal, add a side of yogurt or raita to balance the spices.
Looking for more vegetable-focused recipes? Check out these delicious options: Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
These dishes bring vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrition to your table.
Conclusion
Brinjal fry is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Indian vegetable recipe that brings out the best in this versatile vegetable. With just a handful of spices and basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that is crispy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.
Beyond its taste, brinjal fry is a healthy addition to any meal, packed with fiber and essential nutrients. Try experimenting with the tips and variations shared here to make the dish your own.
For more inspiration on plant-based cooking, don’t miss out on our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful brinjal fry!
📖 Recipe Card: Brinjal Fry
Description: A popular Indian side dish featuring crispy fried brinjal slices seasoned with aromatic spices. Perfect as an accompaniment to rice or roti.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium brinjals (eggplants), sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and slice brinjals into 1/2 inch rounds.
- Mix chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt in a bowl.
- Coat brinjal slices evenly with the spice-flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Fry the coated brinjal slices on medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 15 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Brinjal Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A popular Indian side dish featuring crispy fried brinjal slices seasoned with aromatic spices. Perfect as an accompaniment to rice or roti.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 medium brinjals (eggplants), sliced into 1/2 inch rounds”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “1 teaspoon mustard seeds”, “1 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1 teaspoon red chili powder”, “1 teaspoon coriander powder”, “1/2 teaspoon garam masala”, “Salt to taste”, “2 tablespoons chickpea flour (besan)”, “1 tablespoon rice flour”, “Fresh coriander leaves for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wash and slice brinjals into 1/2 inch rounds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt in a bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Coat brinjal slices evenly with the spice-flour mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds until they splutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry the coated brinjal slices on medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15 g”}}