Kathirikka Kara Kozhambu

My husband is a self professed hater of Eggplant. He does not know that he likes it :-) I think I have told you before how much he loves Eggplant Sub. The examples are many.

I was supposed to make Keera Kozhambu (spinach) and changed my mind to this at the last minute. So when he came to the table to eat, he was thinking it will be keera kozhambu. He gave me this look when he saw eggplant floating around. He took the kozhambu without the eggplant. And after he ate his first round in which a few pieces of eggplant made to his plate in spite of his best attempt, I saw him taking kozhambu without eliminating the eggplant. He even reluctantly agreed that he liked it and would not mind if I made it again... Which technically means, please make it again :-)

Woo Hooo.. That was a  success for a chef... Don't you agree...



Ingredients

Kathirikka/Eggplant/Aubergine/Brinjal 1 cup sliced
Karuvadam 1/2 cup (optional)
Onion 3
Tomato 3
Curry leaves
Sambar Powder 3 tsp
Chilli Powder 1 tsp
Mustard 1/2 tsp
Toor Dal 1/4 cup
Tamarind Paste 1/2 tsp

Oil and Salt as needed

Method of Preparation

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard and when it sputters, add the karuvadam. Karuvadam is a sun dry made from Urad dal. My MIL always sends me a stock of this. We usually use this for making Vatha Kozhambu. Since I had a lot, I decided to throw it into other dishes as well. You can use any vadam/sun dry of your choice or skip it altogether.

2. When it starts to change colour, add onions and curry leaves. Saute till the onion starts to brown.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and eggplant. Saute for a few minutes till the tomatoes are almost cooked.

4. Add sambar powder, chilli powder and salt. Mix well. Cook for a couple more minutes.

5. Add the tamarind paste and some water.

6. Add the cooked dal as well. Mix and bring it to a boil.  Simmer for a little while and then switch off. Dal is not usually used in Kozhambu. You can skip it. I just added it make up quantity :-)

Serve with rice and appalam or a side of choice.