Nitin Gadkari shares favourite dish from a friend’s place and how he recreated it at home: ‘Aaj kal meri kheti hai Nagpur mein…’

He shared that during a visit to a close friend, he was served a dish he enjoyed so much that he decided to recreate the recipe at home and found it delightful. Gadkari not only shared his enthusiasm for this delicacy but also detailed the recipe:

The dish combines a simple cooking process with the complex flavours of panch phoron. Slice the brinjal into round pieces and marinate them with oil, panch phoran, and a pinch of hing. Panch phoran is a blend of cumin seeds (jeera), nigella seeds (kalonji), fenugreek seeds (methi), wild celery seeds (radhuni), and fennel seeds (sauf).

Heat a pan, add the marinated brinjal, and fry it lightly on both sides. Be careful not to make it crispy. Then, take some hung curd, ensuring it’s not completely drained of water. To the curd, mix in red chilli powder, panch phoran, and salt to taste. Add the spiced curd mixture to the pan with the brinjal and cook it through, ensuring the flavours meld together nicely.

Nutritional benefits

Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, says, “Eggplants, curd, and panch phoron are the main ingredients in panch phoron dahi baingan, each offering distinct nutritional benefits. Eggplants are low in calories and high in fibre, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly nasunin – an anthocyanin found predominantly in the peels of eggplants, which protects cells from damage and may reduce heart disease risk.” 

Curd (yoghurt) is a probiotic food that promotes gut health and improves digestion, adds Malhotra. It is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus, essential for bone strength. Panch phoron, a blend of whole spices like cumin and fenugreek, enhances digestion and may help control blood sugar levels while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. “Together, these ingredients create a nutritious dish that supports overall health,” she says.

Eggplants, curd, and panch phoron are the main ingredients in panch phoron dahi baingan (Source: Freepik)

How panch phoron can enhance both the flavour and health quotient of dishes

“Panch phoron enhances both flavour and health in dishes like dahi baingan through its unique blend of spices: fenugreek, nigella, cumin, black mustard, and fennel,” notes Malhotra.

She mentions, “The aromatic profile of these spices adds depth and complexity to dishes, making them more appealing. The combination creates a warm, earthy taste that complements various ingredients.”

“Each spice contributes to health; for instance, cumin aids digestion and reduces bloating, while fenugreek helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of these spices combat oxidative stress, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Thus, panch phoron not only elevates culinary experiences but also promotes overall well-being,” Malhotra states.

To ensure proper consistency of hung curd in this recipe, Malhotra suggests allowing the yogurt to drain for at least 4-8 hours in the refrigerator. Overnight is ideal for maximum thickness. “Opt for a fine muslin or cheesecloth to prevent whey from seeping back into the curd, ensuring a smooth texture. Monitor the curd periodically to achieve your desired thickness without over-draining and ensure that the strainer is elevated above the bowl to prevent collected whey from touching the curd, which can make it watery,” she stresses.

Variations or substitutions for people who want to adapt the recipe to suit dietary restrictions or preferences

Malhotra suggests the following variations: 

Dairy-Free: To accommodate lactose intolerance or vegan diets, replace regular yoghurt with plant-based alternatives like almond, coconut, or soy yoghurt.

Gluten-Free: Ensure that all spices, including panch phoron, are gluten-free. Avoid adding ingredients containing gluten, such as certain processed foods. 

Low-Fat: Use low-fat yogurt or Greek yoghurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.

Spice Variations: If panch phoron is unavailable, substitute with a mix of cumin, mustard seeds, and fennel in equal parts for a similar flavour profile.