Ennai Kathirikai Puli Kulambu

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Ennai Kathirikai Puli Kulambu is a very traditional south Indian dish. When there is a vegetarian menu we never miss this kulambu. This gravy is tangy and spicy with a sweetness from the fried eggplants. The splutter mustard seeds give the gravy a special aroma.

Ennai Kathirikai got his name as we shallow fry the eggplants in oil. In English we call it fried eggplant. There are many ways we can make this gravy this is my version of making it. When you fry the eggplants it will soften and it absorbs the Tamarind gravy.  

This gravy can be made with Indian shallots the small ones which are hard to get in the US and sundakkai vathal as very transitional south Indian vegetable. 
  
Ingredients 
  • Eggplants - 7 to 8medium size
  • Mustard seeds - 1tsp
  • Onion - 1mediumsize (Chopped)
  • Shallot - 4nos (Chopped)
  • Garlic cloves - 6 to 7(chopped into half)
  • Tomato - 2medium size
  • Ginger-garlic paste - 1 1/2tbsp
  • Turmeric powder - 1/2tsp
  • Kulambu masala - 2 1/2tbsp
  • Tamarind  extract - Extracted from a lemon sized  
  • Coconut paste - 2tbsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil as needed
Instructions
  • Slit them vertically into 4 parts, running the knife from top to bottom until the stem, without cutting the stem.
  • wash the eggplants. Add 1/2tsp salt and 1/2tsp turmeric powder mix it well.
  • Shallow fry the eggplants until soften.
  • Now, heat oil in a kadhai and splutter the mustard seeds.
  • Then, add the onion, saute till translucent.
  • Add the ginger-garlic paste, salt, and turmeric, saute for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
  • Add the Kulambu masala, cook for 2minutes.
  • Then, add the tamarind extract with 1 1/2 of water and bring it to boil.
  • Add the fried eggplant and cook with the gravy for 2 minutes.
  • Now, add the coconut paste cook for 5 more minutes in slow flame.
  • Serve with white rice, Rotis, idli or even dosa

Cooking Tips
  • If you don't have the south Indian traditional kulambu masala you can use chilli powder 1tbsp, coriander powder 1 1/2tbsp and 1/2 tbsp of cumin powder. 

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