Eggplant & Green Bean Vangi Bhaath Recipe – Authentic Indian Rice Dish

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Eggplant & Green Bean Vangi Bhaath Recipe – Authentic Indian Rice Dish

Hello friends! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Vangi Bhaath. It’s a wonderfully flavorful rice dish from Karnataka, and honestly, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. I first made this for a potluck and it disappeared so quickly! It’s the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and subtly sweet, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vangi Bhaath (or Vangi Bath) is more than just a rice dish; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. The eggplant gets beautifully tender, the spices are aromatic, and the overall flavor is just… incredible. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a complete meal in one pot, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those eggplants sitting in your fridge!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Vangi Bhaath:

• 1 inch piece cinnamon stick
• 5 cloves
• 1 tbsp chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp urad dal (split black lentils)
• To taste dry red chillies (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 cup basmati rice (approximately 180g)
• 2 cups water (480ml)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1.5 lbs eggplant (about 680g)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 2 tbsp raw peanuts
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ cup green beans (approximately 75g)
• ¼ cup tamarind pulp (or 2 tbsp tamarind concentrate)
• 2 tsp Vangi Bhaath masala
• 1 tbsp dry coconut powder
• ½ tsp jaggery (or brown sugar)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things will really make this Vangi Bhaath sing:

• Vangi Bhaath Masala: This is key. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or make your own (recipe below in the instructions!). It’s a special blend that gives Vangi Bhaath its signature flavor.
• Spice Level: Traditionally, Vangi Bhaath has a good kick! But feel free to adjust the number of red chillies to your liking. My grandma always made a milder version for the kids.
• Basmati Rice: Good quality basmati rice is essential for that fluffy texture. Look for aged basmati for the best results. I prefer the long-grain variety.
• Eggplant: Indian varieties of eggplant work best, but any kind will do! Globe eggplants are readily available and work well.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Prepare the Masala: First, we’ll make the magic happen with the spice blend. Dry roast the cinnamon, cloves, and 1 tbsp chana dal in a pan for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the coriander seeds, urad dal, and red chillies. Continue roasting until everything is aromatic – about another 2-3 minutes. Let it cool completely, then grind it into a fine powder. This is your Vangi Bhaath masala!
2. Cook the Rice: Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps the grains cook up fluffy. Drain the rice and cook it with ½ tsp salt in a rice cooker or on the stovetop with 2 cups of water. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside.
3. Prep the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into thin strips. Place them in a bowl of salted water while you prep the other ingredients. This helps prevent them from browning and reduces bitterness.
4. Tempering Time: Heat the oil in a large pan or pot. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add 1 tbsp chana dal and the raw peanuts. Sauté until the chana dal is golden brown and the peanuts are lightly toasted.
5. Cook the Vegetables: Add the turmeric powder and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Drain the eggplant and add it to the pan along with the green beans. Cover and cook until the vegetables are tender – about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Combine the Flavors: Now for the good stuff! Add the tamarind pulp, jaggery, Vangi Bhaath masala, and coconut powder to the vegetable mixture. Add salt to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
7. Assemble the Dish: Gently fold the cooked rice into the vegetable mixture. Make sure everything is well combined and heated through.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the soaking step for the rice! It makes a huge difference in the texture.
• Taste as you go and adjust the salt, jaggery, and spice levels to your preference.
• If you don’t have tamarind pulp, you can use tamarind concentrate mixed with a little water.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and easily vegan! Just ensure your jaggery is vegan-friendly (some contain bone char).
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder Vangi Bhaath, reduce the number of red chillies in the masala. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptations: My family always makes Vangi Bhaath for Ugadi (the Kannada New Year). It’s considered an auspicious dish!

Serving Suggestions

Vangi Bhaath is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a side of:

• Yogurt (raita) – the coolness balances the spice beautifully.
• Papads – for a crunchy texture.
• A simple vegetable side dish.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Vangi Bhaath can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

• What is Vangi Bhaath traditionally served with? Traditionally, it’s served with a dollop of yogurt and papads.
• Can I make the Vangi Bhaath masala powder ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make a larger batch and store it in an airtight container for several weeks.
• What type of eggplant works best for this recipe? Indian varieties are ideal, but globe eggplants are a great substitute.
• How can I adjust the tanginess of the Vangi Bhaath? Add more or less tamarind pulp to adjust the tanginess to your liking.
• Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot? Yes! You can sauté the vegetables and then pressure cook the rice and vegetables together. There are many Instant Pot Vangi Bhaath recipes online – just search for one!

Enjoy this delicious and authentic Vangi Bhaath! I hope it brings a little bit of Karnataka sunshine to your kitchen. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and how it turns out!