Ennai Kathirikkai Kuzhambu

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Ennai Kathirikkai Kuzhambu is a very popular South Indian brinjal recipe served as an accompaniment with hot rice.

Ingredients:
Tamarind Extract – 1 cup
Small Brinjals (Kathirikai) – 20
Sesame Seeds Oil – 1/3 cup
Salt as per taste
Jaggery – 2 tblsp, powdered

For Masala Paste:
Oil – 2 tblsp
Coriander Seeds – 2 tblsp
Asafoetida Powder – 1 tsp
Dry Red Chillies – 10
Bengal Gram Dal – 2 tblsp
Toovar Dal – 2 tblsp
Moong Dal – 2 tblsp
Urad Dal – 2 tblsp
Salt as per taste

For Tempering:
Oil – 2 tblsp
Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp
Dry Red Chilli – 1, halved
Curry Leaves – 10 to 15

Method:
1. Heat oil in a frying pan over moderate heat.
2. Add all the masala ingredients, except salt, and fry till dals turn golden.
3. Remove from heat and add salt.
4. Grind to a fine powder.
5. Cut a cross in the base of brinjals taking care to keep them intact.
6. Stuff the masala powder into the brinjals.
7. Sprinkle with a few drops of tamarind extract.
8. Heat oil in a large kadhai.
9. Add the brinjals and fry gently till cooked thoroughly.
10. Ensure the brinjals do not break.
11. Drain and set aside.
12. Heat oil in an another pan.
13. Add the tempering ingredients and fry.
14. When mustard seeds start spluttering, add the tamarind extract, salt, jaggery and 3 to 4 tblsp of masala powder.
15. Simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes.
16. Add the brinjals and simmer for another 5 minutes.
17. Serve hot with plain rice.

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