Baingan ka Chokha
A rustic and smoky roasted eggplant mash from Bihar, flavored with pungent mustard oil, fresh onions, and green chilies. This classic side dish pairs perfectly with litti or hot rotis.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Vegetables for Roasting
- b.Wash and thoroughly dry the eggplant and tomatoes.
- c.Using a knife, make 4-5 deep slits all over the eggplant. This helps it cook evenly and allows you to check for any worms.
- d.Peel the garlic cloves and push one clove deep into each slit of the eggplant.
- e.Rub 1/2 tablespoon of mustard oil over the skin of the eggplant and tomatoes. This aids in charring and makes peeling easier.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Roast the Vegetables
- b.Place the oiled eggplant and tomatoes directly on a gas stove flame over medium heat. You can use a wire rack (roasting jali) if you have one.
- c.Roast for 10-15 minutes, using tongs to turn them every few minutes for even cooking.
- d.The eggplant is ready when its skin is completely charred and blackened, and it feels soft and collapsed. A knife inserted should go through with no resistance.
- e.The tomatoes will cook faster (about 5-7 minutes). Remove them once their skin is blistered and they are soft.
- f.Transfer the roasted vegetables to a bowl and cover with a lid for 5-10 minutes. The trapped steam will make the skin very easy to peel.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Peel and Mash
- b.Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the charred skin from the eggplant and tomatoes. Discard the skin.
- c.Remove and discard the stem of the eggplant. The roasted garlic cloves will pop out easily.
- d.Place the peeled eggplant pulp, tomatoes, and roasted garlic into a mixing bowl.
- e.Using a fork or a potato masher, mash everything together into a coarse, rustic mixture. Avoid making it a smooth paste.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Flavor
- b.To the mashed vegetable mixture, add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger.
- c.Add salt to taste and pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of raw mustard oil. This is essential for the authentic pungent flavor.
- d.Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and add 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Check for seasoning and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
- c.Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Serve immediately at room temperature with litti, sattu paratha, or hot phulkas.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The signature flavor of chokha comes from direct flame roasting. If you don't have a gas stove, you can roast in an oven at 200°C (400°F), but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
- 2Always use raw, pungent mustard oil for the authentic Bihari taste. Do not substitute with other oils.
- 3For a chunkier texture, chop the roasted eggplant and tomatoes with a knife instead of mashing.
- 4Adjust the quantity of green chilies and raw onion to suit your preference for spice and pungency.
- 5Serve chokha fresh, as it tastes best when the raw onions and coriander are crisp.
Adapt it for your goals.
Aloo Baingan Chokha
Add one large boiled and mashed potato to the mixture for a creamier and more filling version.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder or a finely chopped red dry chili for extra heat.
No Onion/Garlic VersionNo Onion/Garlic Version
For a sattvic or Jain version, simply omit the onion and garlic. The smoky flavor of the eggplant will still be prominent.
Pickle FlavorPickle Flavor
Add a teaspoon of mango pickle masala (achaar masala) for a tangy and spicy twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Eggplant is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
This dish is rich in antioxidants from eggplant (nasunin), tomatoes (lycopene), and garlic (allicin), which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Heart-Healthy
Mustard oil contains healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Combined with the fiber from eggplant and the properties of garlic, this dish can contribute to better cardiovascular health.
Boosts Immunity
The presence of garlic, ginger, and lemon juice provides a good dose of Vitamin C and other compounds known to strengthen the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Baingan ka Chokha (approximately 200g or 1 cup) contains around 150-170 calories, primarily from the mustard oil. It is a relatively low-calorie side dish.