Tok Begun is a flavorful eggplant curry marinated with spices like turmeric and red chili powder, then cooked with ginger-garlic paste, onion, and a rich tomato gravy, finished with fresh chilies.
1: Marinate the eggplants with salt, turmeric, red chili powder, and mustard oil.
2: Fry in oil until almost cooked. Set aside.
3: Heat more oil in a pan. Add whole spices, onion, and ginger-garlic paste. Cook for a few minutes.
4: Add ground spices with 2–3 tbsp water to prevent burning. Stir well.
5: Add paprika or Kashmiri red chili powder for color.
6: Add tomatoes and mash lightly with a spatula.
7: Stir in tamarind chutney (or tamarind paste with sugar).
8: Cover and cook on low heat until the gravy is done and oil separates.
9: Add fried eggplant with a little water. Cover and cook until fully done.
10: Finish with a handful of fresh green chilies.
