Begun Bhaja Recipe | Authentic Bengali Fried Eggplant

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant (about 1.5 lbs), sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 1/2 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1/4 cup rice flour
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup water (adjust for batter consistency)
• 1/2 cup mustard oil (for shallow frying)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice