Ennai Kathirika (Brinjal) masala

Ingredients 

• 8-10 small brinjals, cut
• 2 tablespoons raw peanuts
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds (til)
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methidana)
• 15 shallots, peeled
• 1 medium tomato, roughly chopped
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 5 green chillies, slit
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon tamrind pulp

Method

1. Dry roast groundnuts, cumin seeds, khuskhus, sesame seeds, fenugreek seeds to a golden brown colour and grind them with onions, tomatoes and garlic without adding water.
2. Add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and mix well.
3. Add salt and ground masala to this and mix well. Keep them covered for half an hour.
4. Heat the oil in a kadai and add mustard seeds. When it splutters, add the green chillies and the peppercorns and fry for two minutes.
5. Add the brinjal, with masasla and cook on medium flame until oil surfaces.
6. Add tamarind extract to the brinjal and cook till brinjals are tender.
7. Serve hot with rotis or Biryani.