Indian Eggplant Recipes: This underrated vegetable deserves more love!

Eggplant (or brinjal as we call it in India) is a staple vegetable in Indian cuisine, and for good reason! It's versatile, delicious, and nutritious. Here are five of my favorite ways to enjoy this humble, often underrated vegetable. Give eggplant the love it truly deserves with these delightful recipes.

Authentic Baingan Bharta (Eggplant Mash)

Baingan bharta served in a grey bowl. — Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Spice up your day with this lip-smacking Baingan Bharta recipe! A medley of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that's sure to delight your taste buds.
Get the recipe: Baingan Bharta.

Aloo Baingan (Potato Eggplant Curry)

Aloo baingan or Indian potato eggplant curry served in a blue bowl. — Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Flavorful and fuss-free, this Instant Pot Aloo Baingan is a delicious blend of potatoes, eggplant, and aromatic spices cooked to perfection.
Get the recipe: Aloo baingan.

Bagara Baingan / Indian Eggplant Curry

Close up of bagara baingan or Indian eggplant curry. — Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Bagara baingan is a popular Indian eggplant curry that is known for its tangy and flavorful sauce. This recipe uses the Instant Pot to make the dish quickly and easily in just 30 minutes. The Instant Pot Bagara Baingan is a great option for a vegetarian or vegan meal.
Get the recipe: Bagara baingan.

Air Fryer Eggplant / Begun Bhaja

Air fryer eggplant served on a brown plate. — Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Enjoy the natural flavors of eggplant with this Air Fryer Eggplant recipe, no breading required! Using the air fryer, you can achieve a deliciously tender and lightly crisp texture without the need for excessive oil or breadcrumbs.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant.

Vegetable Sambar (South Indian Lentil Stew)

Vegetable sambar served in a traditional copper vessel. — Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Have you tried Vegetable Sambar? It is a traditional South Indian stew that has a burst of flavors in every bite. Made with a variety of veggies, lentils, and aromatic spices, it's a comfort food classic that is deeply satisfying. Plus, it's a breeze to prepare in the Instant Pot!
Get the recipe: Vegetable sambar.