Kathirikkai Kootu/Brinjal Kootu

We will make a very simple tasty South Indian Dish here. The main ingredients are Brinjal and Tur Dal. It is a very good side dish for Sambar Rice, Rasam Rice etc.

Ingredients:

Brinjals – 250 Gms

Tur Dal – ¼ cup

Red Chilli Powder – ¼ tsp

Salt – to suit taste

Grated Coconut – 3 tbsp

Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp

For Tempering:

Oil – 1 tbsp

Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp

Urad Dal – ¾ tsp

Curry Leaves – from 1 twig

Method:

Snip off the crown of the Brinjals. Cut into cubes. Immerse them in a bowl of water so that they do not discolor. Take them out when you want to use it.

Grind the Coconut and Cumin Seeds to a semi fine paste with little water. Keep aside the paste.

Cook the Tur Dal and little Salt in a pressure cooker till the Tur Dal become soft, not mushy. Boil a cup of water in a vessel. Add the Brinjals, Salt and Turmeric powder to it. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes till the Brinjal is done.

Add the boiled Tur Dal, Grated Coconut and Cumin Seeds. Add the Chilli Powder. Simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes.

In the meanwhile, heat Oil for tempering. Add Mustard Seeds, Urad Dal and Curry Leaves. Stir them.

And pour this tempering to the Brinjal Curry. Mix well.

Transfer to a serving bowl.