Dahi Baigana

Dahi Baigana is a traditional Odia dish made with fried brinjal slices mixed in spiced yogurt and tempered with curry leaves and chilies — a cooling and flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

For the Dish:

• 250 g eggplant (brinjal)
• 200 g dahi (yogurt)
• 2–3 green chilies – slit
• Curry leaves – a few
• 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin, mustard seeds, fenugreek, and black cumin (mixed)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 200 g refined oil
• Salt – to taste

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Cut the brinjals into thin slices.
2. Blend the yogurt until smooth and keep aside.
3. Slit the green chilies and wash curry leaves.

Step 2: Fry the Brinjal

1. Heat oil in a pan.
2. Deep fry the brinjal slices until golden and cooked through.
3. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Tempering

1. In the same oil, add the cumin, mustard, fenugreek, and black cumin seeds.
2. Add slit green chilies and curry leaves. Sauté briefly until aromatic.

Step 4: Combine with Yogurt

1. Add the fried brinjal slices to the tempering.
2. Stir in salt and sugar, mixing well.
3. Add this mixture to the blended yogurt.
4. Mix in cumin powder and chili powder, stirring until well combined.

Serving Suggestion

• Serve chilled or at room temperature with steamed rice or as part of a traditional Odia thali.
• A refreshing accompaniment for hot summer meals.