Kathirikkai / Brinjal Kara Kuzhambhu

Ingredients:

Onions - 2 thinly sliced
Garlic - 5 sliced
Tomatoes - 2 chopped
Brinjal / Eggplant - 1 cup cut lengthwise
Green chilies - 3 sliced
Tamarind extract - 2 cups
Sambar powder - 2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1tsp
Salt - to taste
Sesame oil - 2 TBSP
Curry leaves

Grind together:
Grated fresh coconut - 1/4 cup
Poppy seeds - 2 tsp

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the mustard seeds.
2. Add the sliced onion, garlic and green chillies.  Fry till golden brown.
3. Add brinjal / eggplant and stir for 2 minutes.
4. Mix the chopped tomatoes and fry for another two minutes.
5. Add sambar powder, turmeric powder, curry leaves and salt.  Mix well.
6. Add the tamarind extract.  Let it cook for 10 minutes.
7. Add the ground coconut paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve hot with rice.

Adopted from Mrs. Mallika Badrinath's Classic Lunch Recipes Cook Book.