27. Ennai Kathirikai

Ennai kathirikai is an excellent gravy. Though the name has oil in it, we actually need very little oil.
Deep fried thali vadam or appalam or arisi appalam will be a good combination with hot rice.

Ingridients: (2 persons)

Small baby brinjal - 250 gms
Tamarind - small lemon size
Salt -1tbs or to taste
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Hinge - a pinch

For grinding:

Channa dal - 1tbs
Daniya - 1tbs
Red chilli - 4
Meth seeds - 1/2tsp
Hinge a pinch
cooking oil - 3tbs

Seasoning:

Mustard - 1/2 tsp
Hinge - a pinch
Curry leaves- a few.

Method:

1. Extract tamarind juice and keep aside.
2. Add1/2 tsp of oil and roast the ingredients mentioned till channa dal turns brown and grind it to coarse powder with few curry leaves.
3. Wash  brinjal and split on top into 4 quarters leaving the bottom of the brinjal. This makes it easy to stuff.
4. Stuff the brinjal with ground powder.
5. Add the rest of the oil and season as mentioned.
6. Add the brinjals and saute for a minute.
7. Add tamarind extract, turmeric powder, hinge, salt and curry leaves.
8. Allow it to boil then bring it to medium flame. Close the kadai and leave it till the brinjal gets cooked.
9. If the consistency is not thick enough. add a spoon of rice flour made into thick paste and stir immediately. Serve hot with chips or anything of your choice.