Kathirikkai Masala/Brinjal Masala

Ingredients:

1. Brinjal (Small) – 8  
2. Raw Rice – 1 tbsp
3. Fenugreek seeds(uluva) – 1tsp
4. Urad dal(uzhunnu parippu)- 1 1/2 tbsp
5. Garlic – 6
6. Cumin seeds/jeerakam – 1/2 tsp
7. Onion (Finely chopped)  – 3
8. Tomato (medium ,finely chopped) – 2
9. Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
10. Kashmiri chilly powder – 1 tbsp
11. Coriander powder – 1 tbsp
12. Sugar – 3/4 tbsp
13. Tamarind – lemon size
14. Water – 1/2 cup
15. Coriander leaves
16. Salt

Preparation:

1. Wash thoroughly and Slit brinjal into 4 parts with the stem intact.check for dark color or worms inside.
2. Soak tamarind in 1/4 cup of warm water.
3. Make a  paste of ingredients numbered 2 to 6 .Keep aside.
4. Heat oil in a pan.saute chopped onions and once it turns light brown,add chopped tomato,turmeric powder,red chilly powder,coriander powder and saute well.
5. Add the grinded paste to it and let it saute for 2 more minutes.
6. Add brinjal to it and mix well.
7. once brinjal changes color ,add sugar,tamarind pulp,1/4 cup of water and stir well.
8. Add coriander leaves .Cover and cook on medium flame till brinjals are soft and cooked well.
9. Serve with Rice or Roti.