Air fryer recipe · Mains
Gujarati Stuffed Brinjal
Baby brinjals stuffed with a sweet and tangy peanut sesame masala, air fried whole.
- 25 minTotal time
- 180°CAir fryer
- 6Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 110kcal
- 2.7 gprotein
- 6.4 gcarbs
- 9.2 gfat
- 2.9 gfibre
Per serving, about 6 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- brinjal8 small (baby)
- peanuts3 tbsp, crushed
- sesame seeds2 tbsp
- jaggery1 tsp, grated
- coriander powder1 tsp
- red chilli powder1 tsp
- oil2 tbsp
Method
Make the stuffing
Dry roast the peanuts and sesame seeds until fragrant, then crush them coarsely. Mix with the jaggery, coriander powder, red chilli powder, a little oil and salt into a dry, crumbly stuffing. Roasting first deepens the nutty flavour and helps it hold.
Stuff the brinjals
Slit each brinjal into a plus shape from the base, keeping the stem end intact so it stays whole. Pack the stuffing firmly into every slit and right into the centre, so each bite carries the spice and not just the skin.
Coat with oil
Brush the stuffed brinjals all over with the remaining oil, getting into the folds of skin. A light, even coat of oil is what lets the skin brown and blister evenly instead of drying out to a dull, wrinkled patch.
Arrange in the basket
Place the brinjals in the basket in a single layer, stuffed side up so the filling does not spill out. Leaving a little space around each one lets the hot air circulate and cook them evenly on all sides.
Air fry until soft
Air fry at 180°C for 10 minutes, turn gently, then cook for 10 min, about 20 min total at 180°C. They are ready when the skin is wrinkled and a knife slides through the flesh with no resistance.
