The Hindi word Baingan means eggplant (or aubergine or brinjal) in English and Bharta means mashed. When joined they become Baingan ka Bharta.
Baingan ka Bharta or Baingan Chokha is a smokey, spicy, and slightly tangy North Indian dish, traditionally made by mixing tender, fire-roasted, mashed eggplant with an onion-tomato-garlic masala.
Traditionally, eggplant is roasted over charcoal (or direct fire) or in a tandoor. This method infuses the smokey aroma and flavour. Later the charred skin is peeled and the aubergines are mashed.
Serve baingan bharta with roti, paratha, butter naan or plain rice. It also goes well with some toasted bread or as a side dish in any main meal.