Vangi Bath (Kannada: ವಾಂಗಿ ಬಾತ್) is a vegetarian South Indian dish[1] that originated in Karnataka, Mysuru region,[2] though it is found throughout India. Vangi means brinjal (eggplant) and bhath means rice.[1] Mostly viewed as a dry dish, it is accompanied by Mosaru Bajji or Raita. The flavor is that of coconut and coriander blended well with some mild spices.[3] Traditionally, the dish is prepared using younger, green brinjal,[4] though any variety of brinjal can be used in the creation of the dish, though the final result may differ between the varieties,[5] and some opt out of using brinjal at all.[5]
Any of the Brinjal variety would work fine with this dish but the taste will differ. Usually, Fairytale or Barbarella are used. Fairy Tale is a thinner variety of eggplant with strips and has a buttery texture and taste, so it cooks very fast. It has very less seeds so it works very well in this dish.[6]
It is possible to prepare this dish in the same way with just Capsicum. It also works well with Potato or Ivy Gourd.[5]
Vangi Bhath is a dish also prepared especially during festivals or family get-togethers, feasts, etc. Normally a good quantity of vangi bhath masala is made in advance and stored at least for about 2 weeks and used again or use it with other vegetables.
8-10 baby eggplants, cut into 4 with stems intact
1.5 cups rice – cooked
2 teaspoons + 2 tablespoons oil
chopped fresh coriander for garnishing
6-7 dried red chillies
1 tablespoon split Bengal gram (chana dal, soaked and drained)
Scraped coconut for garnishing
8-10 curry leaves
2-3 green chillies, split
2 teaspoons tamarind pulp
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
8-10 black peppercorns
2-3 cloves
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
2-3 green cardamoms
pinch of asafoetida
salt
The Dish was used in August 2017 by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to counter those who are opposed to pro-poor policies.
He said: “For the past three years, it’s only Mr. Modi’s Mann ki Baat that’s going on. But we are only concerned about vangibath for the poor.”[8]