Bengali-Style Spiced Fried-Eggplant Slices

Name: Bengali-Style Spiced Fried-Eggplant Slices (Begun Bhaja)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Kosher salt; 1 begun (eggplant), sliced into ½-inch disks; 1 begun (eggplant), sliced into ½-inch disks; Gram flour, for dusting (optional); 1 teaspoon red chili powder; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon garam masala powder; 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder); 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder); Mustard oil, for frying

Begun Bhaja

Preparation info

Yield:
4
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

A much-loved vegetable from Bengal, Begun Bhaja features thin slices of eggplant that are spiced and deep-fried to a perfect crisp. Its smoky, caramelized edges and tender interior remind me of nostalgic Bengali street-food treats.

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 begun (eggplant), sliced into ½-inch disks
Gram flour, for dusting (optional)
1 teaspoo

Asia
India
Side dish
Vegan
Bengal

Method

Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dust lightly with gram flour for extra crispness, if using.

In a bowl, combine the red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala powder, amchur powder, salt, to taste, and mix well.

Place a skillet over medium heat and add the mustard oil. It is important to heat