Air fryer recipe · Sides
Bharwa Baingan Bites with Peanut Sesame Masala
Baby brinjals split and packed with a nutty roasted peanut paste, then crisped into glossy little bites.
- 24 minTotal time
- 180°CAir fryer
- 6Serves
- VegetarianDiet
Nutrition per serving
- 160kcal
- 5.0 gprotein
- 8.6 gcarbs
- 13.1 gfat
- 4.4 gfibre
Per serving, about 6 servings. Figures are estimates from standard ingredient databases, not medical, dietetic, or nutritional advice.
Ingredients
- Baby brinjals8
- Roasted peanuts, ground1/2 cup
- Sesame seeds, toasted2 tbsp
- Tamarind paste1 tsp
- Red chilli powder1 tsp
- Oil2 tbsp
Method
Slit the brinjals
Keeping the stems intact, cut each baby brinjal into a deep cross from the bottom, stopping short of the stalk so it stays in one piece. Drop them into salted water to stop browning while you make the masala.
Make the nut masala
Grind the roasted peanuts and toasted sesame into a coarse powder, then mix in tamarind paste, red chilli powder, salt and a splash of water to form a thick paste. It should be spreadable but not runny.
Pack the slits
Pat the brinjals dry and push the peanut masala deep into each cross-cut, pressing so the filling reaches the centre. Rub any leftover paste over the skins.
Oil and rest
Drizzle oil over the stuffed brinjals and let them sit for five minutes so the masala settles into the flesh. This short rest deepens the flavour.
Air-fry until glossy
Place the brinjals in a single layer and air-fry at 180C for 16 minutes, shaking the basket gently twice. They are ready when the skins look glossy and a knife slides easily through the thickest part.
