Baingan (Brinjal) Curry - South Indian Style

Ingredients

Masala
1 tsp oil
1 tsp dal chana (Bengal gram split and skinned)
1 tsp dal urad (black gram split and skinned)
1 tbsp. sabut dhania (coriander seeds)
1/2 tsp. methi dana (fenugreek seeds)
3-4 dry red chillies medium sized

Combine all above and roast in open pan till brown. Grind after roasting. The masala is ready.

500 gms Baingan (brinjals)
2 tbsp. oil
1/2 tsp. rai (black mustard seeds)
1/4 tsp. jeera (cumin seeds)
One inch piece of tamarind soaked in water
Salt and turmeric powder to taste

Add the oil, rai and jeera to a pan and heat till the seeds crackle. Add the baingan, salt and turmeric to the pan and shallow fry till cooked.

Add the masala to the pan and leave to cook for a minute.

Crush the tamarind and sieve the paste to remove the tamarind seeds. Add 3-4 tablespoons of tamarind water to the pan. Add one cup water and cook for 5 minutes.

Garnish with 4-5 curry leaves and serve.