Epicure Satisfies Pregnancy Cravings with a Savory Indian Dish

Pregnant women are known for having intense cravings that make eating healthy difficult, but the latest recipe from Epicure with Chef MDs, hosted by Marc Silverstein, proves expecting mothers can indulge in satisfying savory meals that are also baby friendly. In this episode of Epicure, we spice things up with some fresh flavors and ingredients at Rasika, a modern Indian restaurant in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. James Beard award-winning Chef Vikram Sunderam walks us through an authentic Indian eggplant dish called tawa baingan that’s full of nutritious ingredients that double as pregnancy pain relievers.

As Sunderam prepares the three-step recipe, Amr Madkour, MD, Obstetrician & Gynecologist at The GW Medical Faculty Associates, points out the nutritional benefits of each ingredient. Dr. Madkour explains that tawa baingan is a great dish for pregnant women since eggplant skin is loaded with healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to keep expecting moms and their babies healthy and happy.

Chef Sunderam starts off his tawa baingan dish with a delicious peanut sauce, complete with jaggery (a byproduct of sugar), coconut milk and chili flakes. Dr. Madkour says pregnant mothers should not fear sugar as long as they keep it in moderation. He explains that as long as you use fresh ingredients, you will end up with a healthy and nutritious meal.

As Sunderam moves on to step two with his spicy potato filling, Dr. Madkour calls out cumin for it’s neutralizing effect on acid reflux, which is a common symptom of pregnancy. Both doctor and chef agree a little cumin can go a long way. Chef Sunderam finishes up with sliced eggplant marinated in olive oil and grilled to perfection before stacking the eggplant with layers of potato filling and topping the dish off with a drizzle of jaggery peanut sauce.

The delicious dish is full of healthy monounsaturated fats that have cardiovascular benefits, a multitude of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and a peanuty protein-packed punch that both doctor and chef agree will produce healthy, baby boosting benefits.

View the Tawa Baingan recipe here.

Download the Epicure season 2 cookbook here.