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

1. Prepare the Base

   • Cut the brinjals into thin slices.
   • Blend the yogurt until smooth and set aside.
   • Slit the green chilies and wash the curry leaves.

2. Fry the Brinjal

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium flame.
   • Deep fry the brinjal slices until golden and cooked through.
   • Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

3. Prepare the Tempering

   • In the same oil, add the mixed seeds (cumin, mustard, fenugreek, black cumin).
   • Add slit green chilies and curry leaves. Sauté briefly until aromatic.

4. Combine with Yogurt

   • Add the fried brinjal slices to the tempering.
   • Stir in salt and sugar, mixing well.
   • Add this mixture to the blended yogurt.
   • Mix in cumin powder and chili powder, stirring until fully combined and smooth.

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.