Brinjal is known as Kathrikai in Tamil and baingan in Hindi.
Kathrikai Rasavangi is a spicy, tamarind based delicious gravy which is served with steamed rice.
Long time back,my maternal uncle, who had come home for a visit asked me,’do you know to make Kathrikai Rasavangi?’
Though I have heard about it, never had tried in my kitchen. My uncle described about it in such a way that it sounded like a very exotic dish and I honestly felt that it must certainly be a traditional delicacy.
To my surprise, when I checked out the recipe, I found that it was just a variation of the usual araichuvitta sambar ( sambar made with freshly roasted and ground spices) that
we make at home. But have to say, it certainly is a delicious variation.
Ingredients
Brinjal( violet or green) – 6 medium size
Tuvar dal( pigeon peas)- 3/4th cup
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Tamarind – lemon sized
Grated Jaggery- 2 tsps
To roast
Coriander seeds- 2 tbsps
Urad dal – 1 tbsp
Chana dal ( chick peas)- 1 tbsp
Red chillies- 8-9
Coconut- 1/2 cup
Oil- 2 tbsps
Mustard- 1 tsp
Urad dal- 1 tsp
Curry leaves- few
Hing- 1/8th tsp
Method
Wash and cut brinjals and keep it immersed in water.
Soak tamarind in a cup of water for half an hour. Squeeze and take the tamarind extract.
Wash and soak tuvar dal for half an hour. Drain add 1 cup of water and pressure for 3-4 whistles. Mash the cooked dal gently and keep it aside.
In little oil, roast coriander seeds, urad dal, chana dal and red chillies till the dal becomes slightly golden.
Cool and grind along with coconut to a paste.
Heat 4 tsps of oil in a pan. Add the brinjal and turmeric powder, mix well and sauté it for few mins.
Add tamarind extract, salt to taste, one cup of water and jaggery. Let it cook till the brinjal becomes tender.
Add the mashed dal and ground paste to the the brinjal and mix well. Add 1 more cup of water and mix again. Check the seasonings.
Simmer the gravy in a medium flame for 10 mins.
Heat a tsp of oil in a pan. Add mustard. When it starts spluttering, add urad dal,curry leaves and hing. Pour the tempering over the gravy and serve hot with steamed rice drizzled with little melted ghee:)
