Neem Bhatta

Neem Bhatta is a preparation of aubergine and neem leaves before the summer peaks in North India. It is said to purify the blood and prevent common summer maladies like Heat Stroke etc. At least one meal consisting of this preparation is mandatory in Mithila homes as a natural preventive measure against the extreme heat waves.


Material Required (for 4-5 people)

1. Aubergines – 1 Big Piece
2. Hing(Asfoetida) – 1 Pinch
3. Panchforan(an assortment of 5 essential spice seeds,viz, saunf, mustard seeds, black jeera, ajwain and methi) – 1 teaspoonful
4. Neem Leaves( Fresh and Small) – 3-4
5. Mustard Oil – 50 Gms
6. Salt – To Taste
7. Turmeric – 1 Teaspoon

Preparation Steps:

1. Wash and cut aubergine into smaller cubes and keep it aside.
2. Take a frying pan and place it on the stove. Add mustard oil to it and let it warm.
3. Add panchforan to the mustard oil followed by adding Hing.
4. Add neem leaves and then the aubergine cubes.
5. Add salt and turmeric as per taste and fry the preparation for sometime.
The preparation is ready in about 12-15 minutes to serve.


Things to Take Care of:

1. The preparation should be fried properly to the extent that mixing is uniform.
2. Choose only fresh and small Neem leaves – remember that Neem leaves are quite bitter!