KnBreakfast during the week usually consists of eggs and toast or cereal. Weekends I tend to be a little more in the ‘breakfast making’ mood so this weekend I decided to make one of my favorite things… BHAIGAN CHOKA (or as my hubby jokingly calls it “Eggplant Souffle) and sada roti! Yum!

Bhaigan choka is really a simple and quick dish to make. It is a favorite here in Trinidad! I’ve been eating this ever since I was a kid!

Here is my recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium sized bhaigans (eggplants)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 tbsp oil (vegetable oil)
• 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp hot pepper, finely chopped (optional….or you can increase or decrease this amount)
• salt to taste

METHOD:

1. Ensure that the eggplants are properly washed.
2. Make a slit lengthwise on the eggplants and insert one of the garlic gloves in each.
3. Place eggplants on the stove top over medium heat.
4. Turn eggplants occasionally to ensure they are roasted evenly all around.
5. Remove from the heat and place on a flat surface.
6. Cut open the eggplants and scoop out the flesh using a spoon and place it in a bowl.
7. Mash the eggplant flesh until there are no chunks. Add chopped onions, pepper and salt. Set aside.
8. Heat oil in a pan or ‘kalchul’ and add to the mixture.
9. Mix well but be careful as some of the oil might splash onto your hand.
10. TIME TO EAT!

NOTE: You can also cook the eggplant in the oven until it is soft. I prefer the roasted flavors from the open flame so I use my stove top. It is a bit messy, so you can foil the top of the stove for a quick and easy clean up.

Check out the video here:

Also, I posted a photo on my Instagram and someone messaged me to suggest not slitting the eggplants to place the garlic during the roasting process, as some of the juices can leak out from the slits. They advised to add the garlic with the oil while heating it. I’ve never done it this way but it’s definitely something to try and compare to my regular method (this post).

Another thing to note…if you have a stove hood in the kitchen, be sure to turn it on when roasting the eggplant! lol.  If you don’t, open your windows, especially if you have smoke detectors in your house. They went crazy while I was cooking this dish! Woke the neighbours up bright and early on Saturday! LOL!

I know many of Trinis will already be familiar with this dish. For those who are not from the Caribbean, be sure to give this a try! It’s a favorite from us here!

Check our the video here:

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