Stuffed brinjals-my style



Stuffed brinjal-my style

You will need-

1. peanuts-200ml
2. dhaniya-150ml
3. chana dal-100ml
4. urad dal-75ml
5. white til-100ml
6. jeera-1 heaped tsp
7. mustard seeds-1/2tsp
8. red chillies-15-20
9. tamarind-size of orange
10. jaggery- approx half the amount of tamarind
11. onions- finely chopped 2cups
12. salt-as per taste(approx 2tsp)
13. violet brinjals-1kg
14. vegetable oil-2tbsp
15. mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
16. urad dal-1 tsp

To assemble the stuffing-

1. Soak tamarind in a cup of warm water.squeeze out juice, set aside.
2. Roast items for masala powder(from 1 -8),separately,in a drop of oil each.Roast the red chillies last.when cooled powder them together.
3. Saute the chopped onions lightly.
4. In a large bowl,combine the masala powder,sauted onions,jaggery,tamarind juice,salt.Blend well with hand/ladle to get uniform mixture.
5. Wash whole brinjals wipe clean.You may slice off the stems.
6. Cut them into quarters or sixes keeping the base of the brinjal intact.
7. Use a spoon to fill in the stuffing mixture well into the cut brinjal.(I enjoy getting dirty with my hands at this stage!!).Reserve any left over stuffing.

To assemble the stuffed brinjal-

1. Heat a large heavy bottomed pan/pressure cooker.
2. Add all the oil,temper with mustard seeds,urad dal.
3. Gently place the brinjals stuffed side up into the pan.Tip in the remaining stuffing with 1 cup water(add more water if using a pan).
4. Cover lid of pan/cooker.Cook till 1 whistle if using cooker.Check for doneness in a pan,after 7-8 minutes,add more water if needed,cook till done.
5. Your gooey,heavenly smelling stuffed brinjal is now ready.
6. Serve warm with hot steamed rice and tadka dal.

Notes-

• Pressure cooker works best for me.
• Roast each ingredient for powder patiently until just golden brown.
• Omit jaggery if you dont fancy a hot-sweet flavour.
• Cut brinjals carefully after getting the stuffing ready,they get discolourd if left cut for too long.
• Optional-Add chopped coriander to stuffing or after cooking,as a garnish.

   

ingredients

fried onions with powdered jaggery,masala and salt.

stuffing mixture

slit brinjals stuffed with paste



Serve with steamed rice and dal.



  










My first offering - Kozhukattai (Modakam)

It's been more than 2 years since I have been wanting to start this blog.Now that it has gotten off to a good start,I welcome all of you to come explore read and leave behind your comments,queries and new ideas for me to work on.
Through this space,I plan to offer balanced meal options,recipes for the meals and nutrient info.I also plan to add an interactive forum where we can discusss our concerns on nutritional requirements,meal planning etc.
Welcome once again.
Rajani.

Our Ganesha-All decked,adorned and drowned in our flower offerings!

Naivedyam-kozhukattai,sweet and salty,and pal payasam