Dahi baigana facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Dahi baigana

Place of origin	India
Region or state	Odisha
Main ingredients	Eggplant, dahi (yogurt), vegetable oil or ghee, seeds (cumin, fennel, fenugreek, mustard)

Dahi baigana is a yummy dish from Odisha, a state in India. It's made with two main ingredients: creamy dahi (which is like yogurt) and soft eggplant. People often enjoy this dish during special festivals and celebrations.

Sometimes, when certain festivals require it, Dahi baigana is made without using onion or garlic. This makes it suitable for religious offerings or specific dietary rules during those times.

What's in Dahi Baigana?

Besides eggplant and yogurt, Dahi baigana uses a few other things to make it super tasty.

• Oil or Ghee: You'll need some vegetable oil or ghee (a type of clarified butter) for cooking.
• Spices: Different seeds add lots of flavor. These include mustard seeds, cumin seeds (called jeera), fenugreek seeds (methi), and fennel seeds (pan mahuri).
• Chilies: A dry red chili (sukhila lanka maricha) and fresh green chilies give it a little kick.
• Herbs: Curry leaves (bhrusanga patra) add a unique smell and taste.
• Other bits: A bit of ginger, salt, and a tiny bit of sugar balance out the flavors.

Different Ways to Make It

While the basic Dahi baigana is from Odisha, other places have their own versions.

• Kashmiri Style: In Kashmiri cuisine, they make a similar dish. Their version often adds a special spice paste and more chili powder. This makes the dish look more golden instead of the usual yellowish-white color. It also gives it a stronger, spicier taste.