Ennai Kathirikai Kulambu | Brinjal Curry

Ennai Kathirikai kulambu is most popular side dish served with biryani.  By roasting the brinjal first  and then cooking in a spicy and tangy curry makes this dish more flavourful and delicious.  This can be served also with rice / rotis.  

Ingredients :

1. Oil - 1 tsp
2. Onions - 2 nos
3. Tomatoes - 2 nos
4. Garlic - 3 pods
5. Ginger - 1" inch
6. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
7. Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
8. Red chilly powder - 1 tsp
9. Grated coconut - 3 tbsp
10. Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
11. Fennel seeds - 1 tsp

For Gravy :

1. Oil - 5 tbsp
2. Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
3. Fenugreek seeds - 1/4 tsp
4. Dry red chillies - 2 nos
5. Brinjal - 10 small sized (slit them in the middle)
6. Curry leaves - Few
7. Shallots ( small onions) - 10 nos
8. Tamarind - small lemon sized
9. Salt to taste

Method :

1.   Heat oil in the pan, add sliced onions, garlic and ginger chopped.  Saute till tender.

2.   Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilly powder and chopped tomatoes.  Cook till done.  Allow them to cool completely.

3.   Grind the onion mixture along with the grated coconut, cumin seeds and fennel seeds.

4.   Heat oil in the separate pan and fry the brinjal till done.  Remove the brinjal and keep aside.

5.   In the same pan, add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, red chillies, curry leaves and shallots.  Saute till tender.

6.   Add grounded masala, salt to taste, tamarind pulp and enough water.  Cook them for 10 - 15 mins till done.

7.   Finally, add the roasted brinjal and cook them over medium heat for 5 more mins.  

Serve warm.