Beguni (Bengali Eggplant Fritter) and a tribute to my Dadubhai
4:44 AM
I have talked about my dida on my blog and I often refer
her for her legendary culinary skills. But later I realized am not doing
justice to her better half, my Dadu (grandfather) who was the sole inspiration
for her cooking. Before my marriage the saying that way to a man’s heart is
through his stomach never made any sense to me. But I understand it now.
Dadu was a complete foodie and he always inspired and
supported his wife for whatever she wanted to do. He had a very busy job and
responsibility of a huge family but always took time to enjoy the smallest
pleasures of life. I still remember his smiling face when we all used to gather
during our vacations and every morning would request for something or the
other. The requests were small but he would put the effort to go to the market
and buy the things. We specially looked forward to his trips to the nearest
Town in the beginning of every month to collect his pension. As it meant rare
treats like pastries or Kwality ice creams for us. though he was very gentle
and level headed but my mother claims he was very strict during their growing
years. If anything to go by her stories we always found ourselves fortunate not
to witness that side of his persona.
He loved food and every aspects associated with that.
Early morning after having tea he will take the bajarer thole (market bag) and
his cycle and will go the market. He knew what goes well with what. So a
purchase of bottlegourd will always be accompanied by kucho chingri or tiny
shrimps. He remembered everyone’s choices, however small it is. So if beej kala
(Banana with big seeds, a rare fruit but sweeter than normal bananas) happens to
appear in the market that will definitely make way to his bag as a treat for
his eldest grand daughter. Dida often
stated that she never had to ask him to buy anything. Somehow he always
realized if anyone is in need of anything, whether it’s a cream for winter,
powder for summer or a regular wear blouse, it always came home with his daily
trips to the market.
When we grew up and entered collage we used to tease them
and tried to keep them apart just for fun. But hardly this happened and they
stayed away. But never in our dreams we imagined that they will follow each
other on their journey to heaven. Dadu died of cancer and within 3 months Dida
followed him, suffering from the same disease at the same place and in the same
condition.
I was not there when Dadu took his last breath in Kolkata.
Nobody informed me this unfortunate news as I was living alone in Delhi but
that same day while coming back from office I saw someone like my dadu in the
bus. He looked so similar and for some unknown reason it made me very
disturbed. Though that morning itself the Doctor’s confirmed that he was better
and could be taken home soon still I got down at Kalkaji Mandir. Prayed for his
quick recovery, came home, called my father and heard everyone crying….I am not
superstitious but thinking of that incident still gives me goosebumps. For a
longest time I was in denial of the fact that they are no more. Even now
whenever I visit that house the first thing that I expect to see is Dadu
sitting in the verandah at his favourite spot and greeting us with his happy
smile…I know that will never happen. But for a person who grew up expecting
them to be around always, its very difficult to accept the fact that the best
things in life are not meant for ever.
He last visited our home in Santiniketan in 2003 during
Monsoon and stayed with us for a whole month. During that time often he made me
go to a specific shop near our bus stop for some specific type of telebhaja or
deep fried fritter. This said person had a small shop and early morning he
would make many types of fritters, among which Dadu’s favourite was eggplant
fritter and pumpkin fritter. We used to joke if eggplant fritter is called
beguni (begun is eggplant in Bengali) then pumpkin fritter should be called
Dinglani, Dingla being the local name of kumro or pumpkin. The fritters from
this person were very famous as he would take the biggest piece of pumpkin and
eggplant and slice it lengthwise in a razor thin manner. I still remember how
we were fascinated with the huge fritters, some even 10”-12” long.
I don’t make deep fried stuff much at home and they are
very rare treats for us. Somehow this Sunday I just remembered all those
experiences and wanted to make it just the way dadu loved it. long thin pieces
of eggplant with a crunchy coating and softer inside, not to forget with a
extra sprinkling of black salt and a cup of ginger tea…
Beguni
(6 pieces)
Ingredients:
Eggplant: 1 medium, try to use the Indian variety as they
are thick and long
Chickpea flower/ besan: 3/4 cup
Rice powder: 2 tbsp
Chili powder: ½ tsp
Nigella seeds: 1/3 tsp
Bi-carb of soda: 1/5 tsp
Salt
Oil for deep frying
Water: ½ cup (approx.)
Method:
Wash and remove the stem of the eggplant. With a long
sharp knife slowly slice it lengthwise. The thickness should not be more than
¼-1/5”. Place them on a kitchen towel and dab to remove the excess moisture.
In a deep flat bowl place the besan, rice powder, chili
powder, nigella seeds, salt mix everything together with little water to make a
thick batter. The batter should be thick yet of pouring consistency, so do not
add all the water in one go. Keep adding and mixing and check the best
consistency.
In a kadhai or heavy bottom pan heat enough oil for deep
frying. Once the oil is hot use a serving spoon and take out a spoonful of hot
oil and mix to the batter. This is a very good tip to make the beguni crunchy
for a longer time. (Am following it from a very senior chef Ajoy who blogs
wonderful recipes at Thoughts from Ajoy). Using a whisk or a fork mix
everything together for a smooth batter. Beat it for a couple of minutes and
finally add and mix the soda.
Take one piece of eggplant, dip it into the batter to coat
both sides with it. using your finger tips take it out from the batter and let
the excess batter drip for a couple of minutes and then slide them in the hot
oil. Keep the flame on medium and fry till both sides are golden brown. Take out
and soak the excess oil on absorbing kitchen paper.
Serve immediately with an extra sprinkling of black
salt. This is a treat in itself for Monsoon accompanied by cup of hot masala
tea.
Posts
26 comments
that was a lovely tribute to your dadu. the fritters are looking crisp and good.
ReplyDeleteperfect for monsoon
ReplyDeleteOngoing event Cooking with love Cousin
love the way they r cut..seriously tempted and the perfect timing wid the weather..love that plate too..want the whole platter..:)
ReplyDeleteLooks so delicious and makes me hungry!.
ReplyDeleteohhh...love love love...con't tell you how much I love Begunis of all the telebhajas.
ReplyDeleteyummy fritters...nice way to eat veggies as snack....
ReplyDeleteAnu's Healthy Kitchen - Swiss Chard Chana Dal Masala Vada
hmmmmmmmmmmmm tempting egg plant fritter.
ReplyDeleteloved reading this post... nice looking fritters too
ReplyDeleteLoved your write up about your dadu. Also the begunis look excellent and well decorated.
ReplyDeleteDeepa
It's all about remembering the happiness our loved ones brought to our life even if it means thru food, plus this telebhaja is your Dadu's fave. Look up for him in the stars, he is smiling at you!
ReplyDeletewhat a tempting fritters...
ReplyDeleteEvent: Dish Name Starts with U
simply superb...
ReplyDeleteEvent: Dish Name Starts with U
A wonderful and touchy write up on your Dadu. Excellent presentation Sayantani. Perfect and delicious begunis.
ReplyDeletetoday's post;
http://sanolisrecipies.blogspot.in/2013/07/subz-do-pyaza-mixed-vegetables-with.html
I was myself having goosebumps reading your story. Such a lovely and endearing tribute. Loved the begunis and looking forward to the dinglani:):)
ReplyDeleteYummy egg plant fritters
ReplyDeleteJust mouthwatering...looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteThe 2 additional minutes spent locating and redeeming an on-line coupon can always save a shopper a considerable amount of money.From Los Gatos it's onto Highway17, a very busy, twisty highway that leads to Santa Cruz. [url=http://www.wvmetromobility.com/Minutes/mmenu.htm]lululemon outlets[/url] Daily Market Commentary for June 3, 2008 from Millennium-Traders.ComIf for some reason when you go to pick up the item and it is not exactly what you agreed to purchase you can always change your mind. [url=http://www.myvipcondo.ca/Authpro/]discount lululemon[/url] This watch also comes in a more feminine version, which a chic, slimmer style and a purple and mint green case that at once practical and stylish.Yoga meditation techniques powerfully stimulate this gland.
ReplyDeleteThis is where writers and artists, 'lefties' and Silicon Valley dropouts come to unwind, to share their experiences and mingle with fellow seekers.because it creates the quiet rhythm that leads to falling asleep. [url=http://www.wvmetromobility.com/Minutes/mmenu.htm]lululemon on sale[/url] So, do you think Lululemon is a leading athletic apparel company? They even offer extensive career opportunities that are created to exemplify the company manifesto.This is achieved by internal massage on muscles and spine, by internal massage through sounds, by improving circulation, by stimulation of body areas which have connections to specific organs as demonstrated through reflexology techniques, focusing on chakras, and exercising the triple warmer muscles of your thorax. [url=http://www.myvipcondo.ca/Authpro/]lululemon clearance canada[/url] If cotton costs increase for a clothing company but the price of merchandise sold remains the same then profitability will decrease which might disgruntle investors.Setting up targeted Facebook ads is very simple even for companies with no advertising experience.
ReplyDeleteToday, 6 months later her hair is full and you can't see her scalp.These are essential to give your body the necessary support that you need. [url=http://www.wvmetromobility.com/Minutes/mmenu.htm]lululemon outlet[/url] Satchel - The satchel is frequently made of leather and contains a top zipper which has a wide flat bottom.Either way you slice it, your watch doesn just say a lot about you stylistically ?it also needs to be extremely practical to ensure youe getting what you want out of your workout. [url=http://www.myvipcondo.ca/Authpro/]lululemon on sale[/url] Growth: In case the product launch is successful, the sales must start picking up or rise more rapidly.In the future, I may decide to dive into a graphic novel or learn a new recipe.
ReplyDeleteWe are almost there, but still have a handful of companies still to report third quarter results.Post a. [url=http://www.wvmetromobility.com/Minutes/mmenu.htm]lululemon discount code[/url] Lululemon offers yogi clothing, mats, bags, and equipment that gives people the perfect combination of style, high-end quality, and function.When there are many small buyers of a product, all other things remaining equal, the company supplying the product will have higher prices and higher margins. [url=http://www.myvipcondo.ca/Authpro/]lululemon[/url] Or, if you like potatoes, then you could have a big baked potato with butter and vegetables.Chicago has built a long-standing reputation as a city with its finger on the pulse of culture, history and entertainment.
ReplyDeleteSlouching in my slouch socks I catch my nervous reflection in the enormous wall of mirrors glaring back at me.Yoga will reduce your blood pressure and can also cure deceases. [url=http://www.its9.org/attachments/File/wgagenda.html]lulu lemon[/url] You round the corner, prep a fresh fruit shake infused with pearl dream flavor protein powder, pop a few omegas, slip into size -2 lulu lemon spandex pants and head out for a power walk & lunge.Strengthening Your Client Relationships and Your Muscles [url=http://nortoncanada.ca/shop/]lululemon wholesale[/url] Cotton Yoga clothes are strongly recommended since they allow the body breathes.Fortress Investment Group and then Blackstone Group are two hedge funds that completed an IPO in 2007.
ReplyDeleteIf you follow these nine tips, you should be well on your way to success as a yoga instructor.Yoga has become one of the most mainstream methods for celebrities and real-life people alike to improve physically and mentally. [url=http://www.its9.org/attachments/File/wgagenda.html]lululemon outlet[/url] One fun size candy bar can be burned off by walking approximately 0.The bottle itself is LDPE, and its screw top has two moving parts: a drinking nozzle that seals until snapped open by pulling on it, and a hinged Lexan dome, that when closed both snaps the nozzle closed and protects the nozzle against contamination. [url=http://nortoncanada.ca/shop/]lululemon on sale[/url] Lululemon makes apparel for both women and men, which primarily focuses on those who practice yoga, Pilates, dance, run, and physical activities of just about any range.Conventional mats are made up of industrial strength plastics, which helps them last a long time.
ReplyDeleteThis whole area is a paradise for hikers and cyclists.I'm not sure why everyone is so worried about cereals, potatoes, fruits, and breads. [url=http://www.its9.org/attachments/File/wgagenda.html]lululemon outlet[/url] Lululemon has countless loyal fans and they have also organized numerous free yoga, the Pula Ti and Salsa dance exercise classes.Precisely why PayPal is VERY secure is somewhat since it is in fact held by e-bay! Generally precisely how PayPal performs is you show all of them in addition to your specifics, for instance traditional bank or maybe charge card by means of a secure online business, additionally they assist the settlement of someones goods (the customer) in the direction of the vendor. [url=http://nortoncanada.ca/shop/]lululemon outlet[/url] Powerful Home Sinus Infection Remedies Using YogaIt is large enough to carry many items which is ideal for people on the go, this bag can go from the office to the gym with no worries.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time visiting your blog. Once I began reading this post, I was so taken in by the heart warming way in which you have talked about your Dadu. Wherever he is, I am sure he's so proud of you and the way you have paid this tribute to him. On my part, I'd love to try out this recipe as a tea time snack esp for rainy days and weekends. Looking forward to reading many more of these.
ReplyDeleteI am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one these days. [url=http://www.masciabrunelli.it/fr/maillotpsg/]maillot psg 2014[/url] Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue concerning this piece of writing at this place at this blog, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here. [url=http://www.nastrificiodebernardi.com/images/maillot-neymar.html]maillot neymar 2014[/url] Hello, Neat post. There is a problem along with your website in web explorer, would test this? IE nonetheless is the market leader and a large section of people will omit your excellent writing due to this problem.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful narration Sayantani... lovely photos and as a first timer on your blog, I must also mention you got a beautiful design/template... I landed here while searching for the perfect English terminology for "beguni" while posting my todays photo :)
ReplyDelete