Begun bhaja is one of the most popular vegetable fries in West Bengal. Bengali people love it with plain rice as well as with paratha or roti too. Many people love brinjal fries with ghee rice or dal & rice. But begun bhaja & paratha are most popular special breakfast food. It is not just simple but delicious breakfast too. A special triangular shaped paratha & simple fried brinjal can bring a smile on every Bengali’s face.
Did you ever try it. Actually, if you are not Bengali then perhaps you can understand how can simple brinjal fries can so favorite to Bengali.
Even one of my colleagues asked me in Delhi that “why Bengali people eat simple vegetable fries like aloo bhaja, potol bhaja, kumro bhaja, begun bhaja, kakrol bhaja with dal & rice? But they do not use any spices to those vegetables.” I had no answer except to say “Yes, I like it too”.
I think begun bhaja & aloo bhaja are most popular Bengali style fries. If dal & rice are served then I need any one of these two types of fries.
But when it comes to roti or paratha then begun bhaja is preferable. Particularly, it is super enjoyable along with paratha. Last weekend, I had this awesome breakfast. Mostly people prefer lamba begun bhaja (long purple brinjal fries) with plain rice. But when it would be served with paratha then most people prefer big size brinjal and cut that into pieces.
Also read: Blessed with homegrown brinjals during lockdown period
How to make begun bhaja?
Take each brinjal pieces and sprinkle pinches of salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder (optional) and fry those with any vegetable oil. It is very simple.
Some people also spread corn starch but I do not prefer it. I love the simple one. Do you? It becomes more delicious when it is served with Bengali style triangular paratha. Did you ever try it? You just need to roll an all-purpose flour (maida) made dough and double-fold to give triangular shape and roll it again. Then cook it with oil. It is a very special type of lachcha paratha.
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