Brinjal Gravy
This is one of the most popular side dishes for Biriyani in many parts of Tamilnadu. I personally like this Brinjal accompaniment for Biriyani and hence thought of sharing it with you all.
Ingredients
Brinjal – 4 nos (medium size)
Sesame – 50 gm
Groundnuts/Peanuts without skin – 50 gm
Tamarind – size of a big Amla
Shallots – 1/4 cup (chopped)
Onion – 2 nos.
Tomato paste – 1/2 cup
Garlic paste – 1.5 tsp
Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
Chilli powder – 1 tsp.
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Cumin seeds – 1/4 tsp
Green Chilli – 1
Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom – 1 each
Mustard – 1/2 tsp
Split Urad dal – 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves
Coriander leaves/Cilantro – finely chopped – 1 tbsp
Oil – 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Method
- Dry roast Groundnuts and sesame seeds and grind it in a mixie.
- Slice each brinjal vertically. In each piece, make a longitudinal slit from top to bottom for half of it’s height. If the brinjal is big, simply make it into 4 vertical pieces.
- Heat oil in a kadai. When heated add cinnamon, clove and cardamom and saute till the aroma come out.
- Add mustard seeds, split urad dal, cumin seeds and curry leaves one after another.
- Add shallots, sliced green chilli and chopped onion and fry till golden brown.
- Now add the garlic paste and saute well until the raw smell fades away.
- Then mix in the tomato paste and fry till the ingredients in the kadai blend into a golden mixture.
- Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, Coriander powder, powdered Groundnut and sesame and mix well.
- Now add in the cut brinjal pieces and fry in medium flame. Stir at regular intervals. If required sprinkle water in between.
- When the brinjal pieces get almost half cooked add salt to taste and sprinkle coriander leaves and let it cook.
- When the brinjal gets cooked well and starts to lose its rigidness, add in tamarind paste water.
- Add half a cup of water and cook in medium flame until the gravy thickens and oil separates.
- Check for salt and spices. Add additional amounts to suit your taste, if desired.
- This dish is a perfect accompaniment for Biriyani along with onion Raita. You can also have this as a side-dish for Idly, Dosa, Chapattis or Rice.
