Bored with Baingan Bharta? Try these Different Types of Bhartas for a Change!

Whenever we hear Bharta, the first vegetable that comes to our mind is Baingan (Eggplant), which is pretty evident because we Indians always associate Bharta with Baingan, But what if we tell you Bharta is not always supposed to be made with Baingan? Yes, you read it right! Bharta can be prepared with numerous other vegetables, and the taste always remains distinctive but never disappointing. Let’s see how this smoky dish is prepared by mashing or mincing grilled vegetables with tomato, onion, herbs and spices. And oh, There’s a recipe for the versions mentioned below!

Baingan Bharta 

Classics are always first! The hot favourite Baingan Bharta is a traditional dish made with grilled eggplants smoked on the stove, with other veggies, herbs, and spices added to give it a flavour. If you love eggplants, you must try this popular version. If you love curd, try pairing the Bharta with it; you will love it. Here's the recipe. 

Aloo Bharta 

After Baingan, this is the next popular version of Bharta. I mean, an Indian vegetable is almost incomplete without Aloo in it but what better than having Aloo as the main star of the dish? The mashed potatoes are mixed with vegetables like onion and tomato and Indian spices to prepare the Aloo Chokha or Bharta which is well known in Bihar. Here's the recipe for the same. 

Chicken Bharta

Wait? How did we come to chicken from mashed vegetables? I guess, we are in Kolkata! Chicken Bharta or Chicken Bhorta is a famous dish in Kolkata which is pretty similar to the vegetable Bharta. This is made with boneless chicken chunks cooked with Indian spices and eggs. Here's the recipe for the same.  

Suran Bharta 

Suran, Jimikand, Ol or as known as Yam in English is the next contender for our types of Bhartas. The process of making this Bharta is almost similar to that of an Aloo Bharta. The Suran or Yam is boiled in a cooker, peeled and mashed to later add green chillies, tomatoes, onions and other spices. Here's the recipe for the same. 

Arbi Bharta 

Arbi is a vegetable similar to Suran but a little milder version of it. This tuber vegetable is a little sweet in taste so if you want a sweeter side of Bharta then this is definitely worth giving a try. The process of making it is the same as that of a Suran Bharta. Here's the recipe for the same. 

Kaddu Bharta 

Kaddu or Pumpkin is yet another sweeter vegetable that can be used to make Bharta. This dish is predominantly had in Goa and is made with a different method than that of the other Bhartas. The mashed pumpkin is mildly spiced with green chillies but no spices. The focus is on the balance between the sweetness of the pumpkin, the sourness from tamarind pulp and the gentle heat from the smoked green chilli. Traditionally, there is no oil, and no tempering used either in this version but you can always give it your touch. Here's the recipe for the same. 

Parval Bharta 

A regular Parval or Pointed Gourd Sabzi is not liked by many, so why not give it a twist of Bharta? You simply have to boil the pointed gourd, allow it to cool, mash it and mix it with the other ingredients to make a delicious Parwal Ka Chokha. You can even directly heat the parval and make it like you do it for Eggplant. Here's the recipe for the same. 

Paneer Bharta 

This is a modern version of the Bharta. I mean, over and above the traditional use of vegetables, try pairing Bharta with Paneer. It might look similar to Paneer Bhurji but has the spices of a Bharta. Here's the recipe for the same.