10 best brinjal recipes that will make you fall in love with the veggie!
Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal hails from the nightshade species of fruits and vegetables. A close relative of tomato and potato, Brinjal is popular vegetable across the world. It is full of health benefits and can be cooked into scrumptious, tasty and easy recipes. Eggplant or brinjal is of various shapes and sizes and can be green, purple, light purple and even white!
The wonderful health benefits of eggplants are primarily derived from its vitamin, mineral, and nutrient content. Eggplants are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, dietary fiber, folic acid, potassium, and manganese. They also contain almost no cholesterol or saturated fat and have a high fibre content.
Eggplant is known for its unique range of health benefits, including an ability to help build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis, reduce the symptoms of anemia, maintain cardiovascular health and protect the digestive system. Eggplant is also good for weight loss, managing diabetes, reducing stress, protecting infants from birth defects, and even preventing cancer. This ”coloured” vegetable is rich in beta-carotene and some amount of antioxidants.
Eggplant is good for weight loss:
Eggplant contains saponin which helps in preventing fat accumulation and absorption in the body. It is also low on calories and carbohydrates, and is perfect for those who are trying to shed off their extra pounds.
How to include eggplant in your diet:
– Stir-fried brinjal can be used in salad or appetizers
– It can also be used as a pickle
– It can be blended into curries or chutneys
– It can be used in various recipes along with a variety of regional spices.
Different types of brinjal:
– Chinese brinjal: Longer, light and less sweet
– Japanaese brinjal: Soft, creamy and melt-in-mouth texture
– Bianca brinjal: Creamy and sweet taste.
– Tango brinjal: Thick skin and a tender and creamy flesh.
– Santana brinjal:It is dark purple, tender and is shaped like a teardrop.
How to select:
– Choose brinjals that are heavy and firm with thin skin
– Make sure there are no patches
– Press against the skin of the brinjal. if you see a impression, it means it is ripe.
– Check the ends of the brinjal.If it has a larger scar, it will have lesser seeds.
How to Store:
– Never cut and store brinjals, they turn black.
– Store them in refrigerator.
– Wrap it in a fresh plastic bag and refrigerate.
– Use brinjals as soon as possible because they perish quickly
Baba Ganoush
This delightful mediterranean dip is full of smokey flavours and goes amazingly well with all kinds of bread that you can imagine!
Stir-fried Brinjal
If you love spicy food, this is the perfect recipe for you! Stir-fried Brinjal is a delicious recipe made with soy sauce, sugar and red chili.
Andhra Brinjal Curry
If you are in no mood to prepare an elaborate meal, this recipe comes to your rescue. It tastes amazing with rice.
Grilled Eggplant
This amazingly delicious dish is made using three ingredients i.e., eggplant, sea salt, and virgin olive oil. It can be served with the salad of your choice.
Eggplant Salad Dip
This flavorful dip can be part of any meal. This rich dip is made with bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, onion and parsley.
Roasted Eggplant Soup
A comforting bowl of soup with the goodness of tomatoes, milk and oven roasted baingan, it is a must try if you love brinjals.
Baigan Pakora
Crisp and comforting!Gram flour, baingan, rice flour and coriander leaves teamed up with the sweet taste of raisins is a must try for you.
Kashmiri Dahi Baigan
Kashmiri Dahi Baingan is made with aromatic spices which will make you feel wanting more and more of it.
Baigan ka Chokha
Add ginger, garlic, tomato, green chilli and coriander leaves to baingan to get a tangy, delicious and mind-blowing dish.
Baingan Bharta
A light and simple, easy-to-make and fuss-free recipe.
[“source=timesofindia”]