Category: Maharashtrian Recipes | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 3–4
Special Bharli Vangi (Stuffed Brinjal)
Bharli Vangi (भरली वांगी) is a beloved traditional Maharashtrian dish made from tender baby brinjals stuffed with a rich, spicy, and nutty masala. It’s often served with jowar or bajra bhakri, steamed rice, or chapatis. This dish is especially popular during festivals, weddings, and special weekend lunches.
Brinjal Ingridient
For the stuffing masala:
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- ½ cup grated dry coconut (or fresh)
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- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
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- 1 tbsp white sesame seeds (til)
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- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
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- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
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- 2 tbsp chopped coriander
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- 1 tsp red chili powder
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- 1 tsp turmeric powder
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- 1 tbsp Goda masala (or Garam masala)
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- 1 tsp jaggery (optional, for balance)
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- Salt to taste
For the curry:
1 cupwater(as needed)
6–8 smalleggplants (brinjals / vangi) slit crosswise, stems intact
2 tbspoil
1 tspmustard seeds
1 tspcumin seeds
1 pinchasafoetida (hing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Stuffing
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- Dry roast coconut, peanuts, and sesame seeds separately. Let them cool.
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- Coarsely grind them together.
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- Mix in chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, jaggery, goda masala, and salt.
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- The mixture should be dry but moist enough to stick.
Tip: You can add 1–2 tsp oil if the mixture feels too dry.
2. Prepare the Brinjals
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- Wash and dry the eggplants.
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- Slit each brinjal in a cross from the bottom, keeping the stem intact.
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- Gently stuff each brinjal with the masala mix.
3. Cook the Curry
Stir occasionally and ensure the brinjals cook evenly without breaking.
Heat oil in a thick-bottomed pan.
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add cumin seeds, hing, and a few curry leaves (optional).
Place the stuffed brinjals carefully in the pan.
Sprinkle the remaining masala (if any) over them.
Add about 1 cup of water, cover, and cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes.
Serve It With:
Chapatis or Phulkas
Jowar/Bajra Bhakri – for a rustic Maharashtrian meal
Steamed Rice – with a side of varan or amti
Tips for Perfect Bharli Vangi
Let it cook slowly for the brinjals to absorb the masala completely.
Use small, tender brinjals — avoid overripe or large ones.
Roast the masala ingredients for a richer flavor.
Adjust spice level to your preference by varying chili and goda masala.
Final Thoughts
Bharli Vangi isn’t just a dish — it’s a nostalgic comfort meal for many Maharashtrian households. Rich in flavor, texture, and tradition, it’s sure to become a favorite on your table too.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out!