Gutti vankaya koora (Stuffed Brinjal Curry)

Ingredients:

Green brinjals - ¼ kg

One medium onion diced

One medium tomato diced

Chopped coriander leaves

Curry leaves – 6 - 7

Mustard seeds – ¼ tsp

Jeera – ¼ tsp

Chana dal – ½ tsp

Garlic pods – 3

Oil – 4 tbs

Masala paste:

Peanuts/groundnuts – 2 tbs

Grated dry coconut – 3 tbs

White sesame seeds – 1 ½ tbs

Cinnamon – small piece

Cloves - 3

Cardamom - 1

Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Chili powder – 1 tbs

Dhania powder – 1 ½ tbs

Tamarind – small piece (soak in water for 10 min)

Dry roast peanuts, coconut and sesame seeds one by one and allow them to cool.

In a mixer jar; add peanuts, coconut, sesame seeds, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom and grind them into a powder. Now add turmeric powder, chili powder, dhania powder, soaked tamarind, salt and little water and grind them to a paste.

Preparation:

1. Take brinjals and cut them diagonally.
   
2. Now stuff the masala into brinjals and keep them aside.
   
3. Heat oil in a pan; when it is ready add mustard seeds, cumin, chana dal, garlic and sauté for 2 min.
4. Add onions, curry leaves and sauté till onions become translucent. Now add tomatoes and sauté for 3 min.
   
5. Add masala stuffed brinjals and let them cook for 5 min by closing the lid.
   
6. Now add remaining masala and mix well.
   
7. Add 2 cups of water and adjust salt.
   
8. Stir well and let them cook for 15 min.
9. Garnish with coriander and serve with rice or roti.