Bharli Vangi(भरली वांगी) is a classic dish of the Maharashtrian cuisine featuring brinjals stuffed with a flavorful masala. In Marathi, “bharli” means stuffed and “vangi” refers to brinjal. Renowned for its complex flavours and aromatic curry, this beloved dish includes small brinjals filled with a mixture of grated coconut, peanuts, sesame seeds, spices, and some jaggery for a hint of sweetness. The stuffed brinjals are then mixed with a rich, spicy gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and more spices. When these elements are cooked in cold-pressed groundnut oil, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. Read along to learn the easiest bharli vangi recipe that will bring a touch of Maharashtrian influence to your kitchen.
Ingredients for Bharli Vangi
For the Stuffing:
- 9 small brinjals
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp grated dry coconut
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tbsp goda masala (or garam masala)
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 inch ginger, chopped
- Small piece of tamarind (optional)
- 3 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp cold-pressed groundnut oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp jaggery (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brinjals
- Rinse the brinjals and slit them in a cross pattern from the top, ensuring not to cut through completely. Then soak them in salted water for about 15 minutes to remove bitterness.
2. Make the Stuffing
- In a pan, dry roast the peanuts, sesame seeds, and grated coconut until fragrant and let them cool.
- Now, grind the roasted mixture along with cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, tamarind, turmeric, red chilli powder, goda masala, and salt into a coarse paste. Then, mix in the chopped coriander and onion.
3. Stuff the Brinjals
- Carefully stuff each brinjal with the prepared masala, pressing gently to ensure the stuffing stays inside.
4. Cook the Curry
- Now, heat the wood pressed groundnut oil in a pan. We recommend using this oil for its numerous health benefits.
- Then add mustard seeds and cumin seeds and let them splutter before adding hing and turmeric powder.
- Add the stuffed brinjals to the pan, gently mixing them with the spices. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes.
- Then add chopped tomatoes, water, and salt. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the brinjals are tender. Also, stir occasionally and add more water if necessary.
5. Finish and Serve
- Once cooked, sprinkle some jaggery if you want and garnish with fresh coriander. Then, serve it hot with chapati, bhakri, or steamed rice.
Bharli Vangi, with its perfectly spiced stuffing and savoury gravy, is a wonderful celebration of Indian food culture. This comforting dish adds a wholesome touch to any meal. Moreover, using cold-pressed groundnut oil not only enriches the dish with a deep, nutty taste but also supports a healthier, more natural cooking method. Give this Maharashtrian-style Bharli Vangi recipe a try at home and enjoy its delightful flavours.
