Grilled eggplant puree from Bengal (poda begun bharta)

Grilled eggplant and potato puree (Bengali style)

Vegetarian

Grilled eggplant purée, a Bengali-style dish: smoked eggplant flesh mashed with garlic, onion, green chili pepper, cilantro, and a touch of mustard oil. S…

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“Poda Bharta” is a popular rural dish in Bengal, especially during the winter months. Its smoky aroma, the charred eggplant, and the addition of mustard oil create a unique and appealing flavor.

Ingredients and directions

  • Prep time15 min
  • Cook time30 min
  • Resting20 min
  • Total1 hr 5 min
  • DifficultyEasy
  • CostBudget
  • Cooking methodgrilling
  • Estimated cost$4.27 $1.07 / serving Estimated price; varies by store. Converted from euros at the ECB rate of October 7, 2026.
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free

Ingredients

4 people
  • $2.92
  • $0.15
  • $0.11
  • $0.18
  • $0.91

Prices from US supermarkets for 3 of 5 ingredients; Belgian prices for the rest.

Directions

  1. Wash the eggplant and dry it thoroughly. ≈ 2 min
  2. Grill it over an open flame (gas stovetop or earthen oven), turning it frequently, until the skin is charred and the flesh is tender.
  3. Let it cool, then remove the skin and scoop out the flesh with a spoon.
  4. Lightly char the garlic and chili peppers over the flame; this will add a smoky flavor to the dish.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the eggplant, garlic, chili peppers, salt, and onion. ≈ 4 min
  6. Add the cilantro and mustard oil, then mash again until you have a smooth mixture. ≈ 4 min

The bill

Grilled eggplant and potato puree (Bengali style)

  • 1 large eggplant (about 500g)$2.92
  • 2 tablespoons of mustard oil paint$0.15
  • 75 g of chopped onion (1/2 cup)$0.11
  • 3 to 4 cloves of Allium sativum (garlic)$0.18
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro$0.91

Total$4.27

that's $1.07 per person

Estimated price; varies by store.

Before you start

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant (about 500g)
  • 2 tablespoons of mustard oil paint
  • 75 g of chopped onion (1/2 cup)
  • 3 to 4 cloves of Allium sativum (garlic)
  • 4 to 6 green chili peppers (to your liking)
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro
  • salt to taste

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