
Little Brinjal Overview
Little Brinjal, also known as baby eggplant or Indian eggplant, is a smaller variety of eggplant that is popular in various cuisines, especially in Indian cooking. With its tender skin and slightly sweet flavor, little brinjal is used in a variety of dishes, from curries to stir-fries. This versatile vegetable is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Nutritional Value of Little Brinjal (per 100g):
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5.9 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Vitamin C: 2.2 mg (4% of the daily recommended intake)
- Vitamin K: 3.5 µg (3% of the daily recommended intake)
- Potassium: 229 mg
- Folate: 22 µg (5% of the daily recommended intake)
Health Benefits of Little Brinjal:
- Low in Calories: A great addition to a weight-loss diet, as it is low in calories and high in fiber.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants like nasunin that help fight oxidative stress.
- Heart Health: High in potassium and low in sodium, which can help regulate blood pressure.
- Digestive Health: The fiber content promotes healthy digestion and can prevent constipation.
- Blood Sugar Control: May help manage blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index.
How to Eat Little Brinjal:
- Raw: Slice and add to salads for a crunchy texture.
- Cooked: Sauté, roast, or steam for use in various dishes.
- Pickled: Make delicious pickles with spices and vinegar.
- Stuffed: Fill with spices and other ingredients for a flavorful dish.
Recipes Using Little Brinjal
Indian Recipes
1. Baingan Bharta (Smoky Mashed Eggplant)
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 500g (3-4 pieces)
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
- Green chili: 1, chopped
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Fresh coriander: for garnish
- Salt: to taste
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Method:
- Roast little brinjals over an open flame until charred; peel and mash.
- Heat oil in a pan; add onions and sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, green chili, and tomatoes; cook until soft.
- Stir in mashed brinjal, turmeric, garam masala, and salt; cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
2. Stuffed Brinjal (Bharli Vangi)
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjals: 8-10, halved
- Peanuts: 1/2 cup, roasted and ground
- Coconut: 1/4 cup, grated
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt: to taste
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Method:
- Mix ground peanuts, coconut, onion, coriander powder, cumin, red chili powder, and salt.
- Stuff the halved brinjals with the mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan; arrange stuffed brinjals and sauté until cooked and golden.
- Serve with rice or roti.
3. Brinjal Sambar
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 200g, diced
- Toor dal (split pigeon peas): 1/2 cup
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Sambar powder: 1-2 tbsp
- Tamarind pulp: 1 tbsp
- Oil: 1 tbsp
- Mustard seeds: 1 tsp
- Curry leaves: a few
- Salt: to taste
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Method:
- Cook toor dal in water until soft; set aside.
- In a pan, heat oil; add mustard seeds and curry leaves.
- Add onions and tomatoes; sauté until soft.
- Stir in diced brinjal, sambar powder, tamarind pulp, and salt; cook until brinjal is tender.
- Mix in the cooked dal and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Serve hot.
4. Brinjal Fry
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 250g, sliced
- Rice flour: 1/4 cup
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: for frying
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Method:
- In a bowl, mix rice flour, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
- Toss the brinjal slices in the mixture until coated.
- Heat oil in a pan; fry brinjal slices until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels and serve.
5. Brinjal & Potato Curry
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 250g, chopped
- Potato: 1, diced
- Onion: 1, sliced
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2 tbsp
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
- Coriander powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: to taste
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Method:
- Heat oil in a pan; add onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt; cook until tomatoes are mushy.
- Add potatoes and little brinjal; stir and cover to cook until tender.
- Serve with chapati or rice.
Non-Indian Recipes
1. Grilled Little Brinjal
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 4-5, halved
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Balsamic vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
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Method:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture over the cut sides of the brinjals.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes, cut side down, until tender and grill marks appear.
2. Little Brinjal Ratatouille
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 2, diced
- Zucchini: 1, diced
- Bell pepper: 1, diced
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Italian herbs: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
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Method:
- Heat olive oil in a pan; add garlic and sauté.
- Add diced vegetables and Italian herbs; season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until vegetables are tender; serve warm.
3. Little Brinjal Pizza Topping
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 1, thinly sliced
- Pizza dough: 1 base
- Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Oregano: 1 tsp
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Method:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Spread tomato sauce over the pizza base.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and little brinjal slices; sprinkle with oregano and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Little Brinjal Stir-Fry with Soy Sauce
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 250g, sliced
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Green onion: 2, chopped
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Method:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan; add garlic and sauté.
- Add little brinjal slices and stir-fry until tender.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and toss; garnish with green onions before serving.
5. Little Brinjal Salad
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Ingredients:
- Little brinjal: 2, roasted and chopped
- Cucumber: 1, diced
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Feta cheese: 1/4 cup, crumbled
- Fresh basil: for garnish
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Method:
- In a bowl, combine roasted little brinjal, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; toss gently.
- Top with feta cheese and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Little Brinjal is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!