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Ringan Bateta nu Shaak (Grandma’s Gujarati Style Eggplant and Potato Curry)

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My grandma’s eggplant and potato curry or ringan bateta nu shaak as we call it in Gujarati, was a staple in my house when I was growing up. My grandma made it often in the summer.  I especially love it not only because it is super easy and really has a lot of flavor but also because it reminds me of my grandma in her youth when I make it. 

Eggplant and Potato Shaak recipe by Indiaphile.info

My grandma often talks about wedding season in Nadiad, the town in Gujarat where she grew up. The 1920s and 30s were a time when everything was done by hand and meals were cooked at home from scratch – even for weddings.

When a neighborhood wedding came around, all the women in the neighborhood got together and cooked endless amounts of food in massive copper pots. A wedding feast wasn’t just one meal, mind you, it was 5 days of festivities and all of the meals were cooked at home.

Eggplant and Potato Shaak recipe by Indiaphile.info

My grandma tells stories about carrying large pots of bubbling dal on her head. Going from one house to another in bare feet, to feed wedding guests.

Women who cooked and served at weddings were forbidden from wear shoes because weddings are auspicious occasions. Shoes were made out of leather, that is, the skin of dead animals, making them inauspicious and therefore unwearable at this auspicious occasion.

The baking hot dirt would cause blisters on her feet and the steaming hot dal was uncomfortable to hold and transport.

Eggplant and Potato Shaak recipe by Indiaphile.info

Life wasn’t easy for women in those days but my grandma thinks back to that time fondly. She remembers this shaak and still continues to make it often.

This eggplant dish is a simple dish, but it has always been one of her favorites. I think she could eat eggplant every single day of her life. Although I really like eggplant, there’s only so much of the vegetable I can eat. But not my grandma. She loves it!

Indian weddings have gotten a lot fancier these days and this simple but delicious shaak is not likely to be found on the menu of a modern Gujarati wedding. But maybe it should be. It’s a reminder of a simpler time!

Eggplant and Potato Shaak recipe by Indiaphile.info
Eggplant and Potato Shaak recipe by Indiaphile.info
Eggplant and Potato Shaak

Ringan Bateta nu Shaak, Gujarati Style

A simple eggplant and potato curry made Gujarati style, the way my Grandma made it
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 243 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound eggplant cut into 1 inch pieces (I used small eggplants but Japanese eggplants will work as well)
  • 2 pounds potatoes cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 fresh green chili (or to taste. I usually use a jalapeno chili)
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • ¼ tsp fenugreek seeds
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 garlic clove finely chopped
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a wide bottomed saute pan until it begins to shimmer.
  • Add the fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, green chili and garlic. Let these cook for about 20 seconds.
  • Add the potatoes and 2 1/2 cups of water. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, until the potatoes are partially cooked.
  • Add the eggplant, turmeric, chili powder,salt and brown sugar. Stir. Cover and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the eggplant and potatoes are cooked through. Be sure to stir every 5 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and cilantro.

Notes

Serve warm with paratha or rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 7gSodium: 360mgPotassium: 1210mgFiber: 9gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 195IUVitamin C: 33.1mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 8.2mg
Keyword gujarati, shaak
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

9 comments

  1. In the directions I see “green chili”, but I don’t see it on ingredient list. Do you mean fresh green chili? How much and what kind. Thanks

  2. I’ve never cooked with eggplant myself before, I always leave that up to my mom. Maybe it’s time to be adventurous since this recipe looks delicious!

  3. I love the story of the weddings – it would be so lovely if life went back towards that simplicity and shared celebration.

  4. Trying this recipe now! I don’t have the methi seed, ? so I’m hoping it still comes out well! It looks delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe!

  5. I accidentally sent the above message, and also want to say that the older generations worked so hard! Loved your grandmother’s story.

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