Kathirikkai Kuzhambu (Brinjal Kuzhambu)

Nothing can beat the taste of this  Kathirikkai kuzhambu (Brinjal Kuzhambu) which has perfect spices. This kuzhambu is cooked in Gingely oil to enhance the taste. The recipe follows..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Brinjal                   - 3
Small Onion          - 8 to 10
Tamarind               - small lemon size ball
Salt                         - As required
Turmeric Powder   - 1/2 tsp
Mustard Seeds        - 1/2 tsp
Urad Dal                 - 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida               - a pinch
Curry Leaves           - few
Gingely Oil              - 2 tbsp  

For the Masala:

Dry Red Chili        - 3
Channa Dal            - 1 tsp (Kadalai Parupu)
Urad Dal                - 1/2 tsp
Coriander Seeds     - 1/2 tsp (Malli)
Grated Coconut      - 1/4 cup
Tomato                   - 1

Procedure:

• Dry roast dry red chili, coriander seeds, channa dal, urad dal and grated coconut. Take it out in a plate. Roast in gingely oil chopped tomato. After it cools down grind tomato with dry roasted items adding very little water. Your masala is ready now.
• Peel small onion. If its big, chop it also into two or use as such. Slit brinjal into four. Extract juice from tamarind.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add small onion to it. When they turn translucent add slit brinjals. Add also salt and turmeric powder. Cover with a lid and cook till brinjals are cooked 3/4 th.
• After that add ground masala. Saute till raw flavor goes off and then add tamarind extract.
• Cover with a lid and cook in medium flame till brinjals are cooked and oil leaves the sides of the pan.
• Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and Urad dal to it. When they splutter add curry leaves and add it to the cooked kuzhambu.
• Enjoy it with hot steaming rice!!

Brinjal Masala

Consumption of Brinjal (Aubergine) reduces the risk of many life style related health conditions such as Diabetes, Obesity and Heart diseases. Today's recipe is spicy brinjal masala which you can enjoy with Chapathi/ Roti.  One of the best ways to include healthy brinjal in our diet in a tasty way. The recipe continues..

Recipe For : 2

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Ingredients:

Brinjal                           - 4
Big Onion                     - 1
Tomato                         - 1
Ginger-Garlic paste      - 2 tsp
Salt                               - As required
Turmeric Powder         - 1/4 tsp
Chili Powder                - 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder        - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala Powder - 1/4 tsp
Whole Garam Masala   - Each 2
Oil                                 - 1 tbsp

Procedure:

• Chop finely Big onion and Tomato. I have used small green brinjals for the recipe. If you are using big brinjal, reduce the number to 2. Chop Brinjal into bigger pieces. 
• Heat oil in a pan. When the oil is hot, add Whole Garam Masala. Whole Garam Masala includes cloves, cinnamon stick, star aniseeds, green cardamom and bay leaf.
• Saute for a minute and then add chopped onions to it.
• Cover with a lid and saute till onions turn translucent.
• After that add Ginger- Garlic paste. Add chopped tomatoes as soon as the raw flavor of ginger-garlic paste goes off.
• Add also Salt, Turmeric powder, Chili powder and Coriander powder. Cook in a medium flame with a lid till both onions and tomatoes are blended together.
• After that add cut Brinjal to it. It will take around 10 -15 minutes for the brinjal to get cooked fully. Add Garam Masala Powder and switch off the flame after the brinjal is cooked well. 
• Enjoy your Brinjal Masala with Chapathi/Roti of your choice.