Too many eggplants at home due to an over enthusiastic hubby shopping for groceries meant I had to use up last weeks’ batch of eggplants soon. After scouring the reliable internet for a recipe found one that I had not tried yet and with a few modifications of my own (since I did not have all the ingredients at hand) ended up with something wonderful for a repeat dish someday.
Here it is: (original recipe at Samayal Corner )
What you need: (to serve 3 to 4 people)
Eggplants (brinjal, kathrikai , vankaya, ) – 4 (I used the long purple ones for this) – cut into thin long pieces
Onion – ½ (sliced)
Tamarind paste – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder
Salt (to taste)
Mustard – ½ tsp
Jeera – ½ tsp
Curry leaves – a few
Sesame seeds (ellu/til) – 2 tsp
Urad dal – 1 tsp
Chana dal – 1 tsp
Coriander seeds – 1 tsp
Dry red chillies – 3 to 4 (per taste)
How to prepare:
1. Roast sesame seeds, chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, red chillies in ½ tsp of oil and powder when cool. (Original recipe also uses peanuts)
1. Roast sesame seeds, chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, red chillies in ½ tsp of oil and powder when cool. (Original recipe also uses peanuts)
2. Heat oil in a kadai, add seasonings (mustard seeds and jeera) and curry leaves. When it sputters, add the onions and fry till translucent.
3. Now add the brinjal (I usually soak it in water and cook for about minutes in the microwave) and reduce the heat to medium. Cover with a lid and let it cook for 5 mins.
4. Add turmeric powder, salt and ground mixture. Stir gently and add the tamarind paste with a little water.
5. Cover and cook till done. Ensure eggplants do not stick to bottom by stirring occasionally – add more oil if desired.
5. Cover and cook till done. Ensure eggplants do not stick to bottom by stirring occasionally – add more oil if desired.
Wow, this looks fantastic. I never know what to go with eggplant and so I usually only eat at a restaurant. This looks easy enough for me, except I have no idea where to get those Indian spices.