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Baigan Choka (Eggplant Dip) in an orange serving bowl

Baigan Choka (Oven-Roasted Eggplant Dip)

A classic Trinidadian dish, baigan choka is traditionally made by roasting eggplant over an open flame. This oven-broiled version captures the essence of the original, delivering that smoky flavor with less mess, perfect for those in cooler climates or without access to a grill.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizers & Snacks, Grilling
Cuisine Trinidadian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium eggplants about 2-3 lbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic divided
  • 1 pepper scotch bonnet pepper seeds removed
  • 1 small onion

Instructions
 

  • Set your oven to the broil setting 525 degrees F (275 degrees C).
  • Prepare the Eggplant (2). Trim off the stem area, make some slits in the eggplant for maximum flavor.
    Eggplant with knife beside it on a cutting board
  • Slice one of the Garlic (2 clove) thinly and place them into the slits in the eggplant.
    Slitted eggplant with garlic cloves in the slits
  • Line a sturdy baking tray with tin foil.
  • Place the eggplant and Scotch Bonnet Pepper (1) and drizzle Vegetable Oil (1 teaspoon) on eggplants. Using your hands rub the oil around the eggplant and place it in the oven for 25 minutes.
    Eggplant and peppers on tinfoil lined baking tray
  • After 5 minutes, remove the scotch bonnet – it should be slightly charred now.
  • In a heavy bowl (or mortar and pestle) place the scotch bonnet (stem removed), remaining clove of garlic and Salt (1/4 teaspoon) and pound to a smooth paste.
  • After 25-30 minutes, your eggplant should be perfectly cooked. Remove from the oven and slice down the center and using a table spoon, scoop out all that goodness and place in the same bowl as garlic-pepper mixture.
    Scooping out cooked eggplant centers
  • Now crush the eggplant you scooped out until it’s somewhat smooth.
    smashing cooked eggplant centers
  • Heat the Olive Oil (2 tablespoon) in a small frying pan just until it starts to smoke.
  • Meanwhile, thinly slice the Onion (1) and place it on top of the eggplant mixture (do not mix it yet). Now pour the heated oil onto the onion.
    Thinly sliced onion on top of eggplant mixture
  • Mix well and serve.
    Baigan Choka (Eggplant Dip) in an orange serving bowl

Notes

Baigan is another name for eggplant.
This dish is both vegetarian and gluten-free.
Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to control the heat level.
Be cautious when handling hot peppers; wash hands thoroughly after use.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!