"Baingan Bhaja" (Bengali Fried Eggplant Slices):
**Ingredients:**
- 1 large eggplant (baingan), sliced into rounds
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed for batter)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Eggplant:**
- Wash and slice the eggplant into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle a little salt on each slice and let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps in removing excess moisture.
2. **Prepare the Batter:**
- In a bowl, mix besan, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, and salt.
- Gradually add water and whisk to form a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the eggplant slices.
3. **Coat the Eggplant:**
- Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel. Dip each slice into the besan batter, ensuring it's evenly coated.
4. **Heat the Oil:**
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan for shallow frying. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
5. **Fry the Eggplant:**
- Carefully place the coated eggplant slices into the hot oil. Fry until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6. **Drain Excess Oil:**
- Once fried, place the bhaja on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. **Garnish:**
- Garnish the Baingan Bhaja with fresh coriander leaves.
8. **Serve:**
- Serve hot Baingan Bhaja with a side of yogurt or your favorite chutney.
Baingan Bhaja is a simple and delicious Bengali dish that showcases the unique taste and texture of eggplant. Enjoy the crispy goodness of these fried eggplant slices!
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