South Indian Eggplant Curry Recipes

Steps:

• In a cast iron or other heavy skillet, roast coconut powder, poppy seeds, sesame seeds and cumin seeds over low heat until light brown.
• Remove from pan to stop the cooking and cool.
• Put this coconut mixture in a food processor and process until it's grainy, reserve in a dish.
• Grind the roasted channa dal in a spice grinder until it is a fine powder and add to the coconut mixture.
• In a food processor, process the peanuts until they are coarsely ground.
• Wash and stem the eggplants.
• Cut each eggplant 2/3 into the wide end up to the stem - making an "X" - leave the stem end intact.
• Heat 1/4 cup oil in a skillet and cook the eggplants on low until soft.
• In a separate pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil to medium hot.
• Add the 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds to the hot oil.
• In a matter of seconds they will begin to pop - add the onions and stir.
• When the onions are beginning to brown, add the ginger garlic paste and the turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, chili powder and salt.
• Stir the spices into the onion then add the tomatoes.
• Stir in the tomatoes then add the coconut mixture along with the peanuts.
• Add the eggplants and 1 cup of the water.
• Stir and cook over low heat, covered for about 20 minutes.
• Add water a little at a time to maintain a nice smooth consistency.
• Add garam masala and 2 1/2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh coriander - stir.
• Check to see that it is salted to your taste.
• Put in a serving dish and garnish with the remaining chopped coriander.

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix oil, chickpea flour, turmeric and asafetida. Heat on high for 90 seconds, stopping to stir halfway through. In another bowl, heat coconut on high for 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add coconut, ginger, salt and tamarind to chickpea mixture.
• Rinse and dry eggplant, trim off ends, and cut into 1-inch slices. Score one side of each slice in several places. Spread and press spice mixture into gashes, then put eggplant into a dish. Partly cover (waxed paper works) and heat on high for 6 minutes. Uncover and cook on high for 2 or 3 minutes, until very soft. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot or warm.

Steps:

• In a small glass bowl, mix together oil, chickpea flour, turmeric and asafetida. In the microwave on high-power cook for 90 seconds, stopping to stir halfway through. In another bowl, heat coconut on high for 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add coconut, ginger, salt and tamarind to chickpea mixture.
• Rinse and dry eggplant, trim off ends then cut into 1-inch slices. Score one side of each slice in several places. Spread and press spice mixture into gashes; then put eggplant into a microwave-safe dish. Partially cover (waxed paper works) and heat on high for 6 minutes. Uncover and cook on high for 2 or 3 minutes, until very soft. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot or warm.
• Note: * Can use frozen shredded coconut, which is available at Indian grocery stores. If you can't find this, you can use sweetened shredded coconut - soak it in hot water for a few minutes (to remove the excess sugar) then drain well.

Steps:

• Chop the eggplants into 1-inch cubes with the skins on. Boil eggplant pieces in large stockpot for about 5-7 minutes, or until soft. Drain well, set aside.
• Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Mix in cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them roast for about 1 minute or until they start to sizzle and pop.
• Stir in onion and fry for 2 minutes or until onion is tender. Add turmeric powder and fry for another 30 seconds.
• Add ginger-garlic paste, frying for about 1 minute. Stir in cayenne pepper, curry powder, and diced tomato. Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the tomato is almost a paste (if you must, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to keep the mixture moist).
• Add salt, green chiles, and plain yogurt. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the eggplants. Cover and cook for 7-10 minutes. Mix in chopped cilantro and serve over rice.

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix oil, chickpea flour, turmeric and asafetida. Heat on high in microwave for 90 seconds, stopping to stir halfway through. In another bowl, heat coconut on high for 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add coconut, ginger, salt and tamarind to chickpea mixture.
• Rinse and dry eggplant, trim off ends, and cut into 1-inch slices. Score one side of each slice in several places. Spread and press spice mixture into gashes, then put eggplant into a dish. Partly cover (waxed paper works) and heat on high for 6 minutes. Uncover and cook on high for 2 or 3 minutes, until very soft. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot or warm.