Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Roast Spices for Masala Powder

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add chana dal, urad dal, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies. Roast them on medium heat until they turn golden brown and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the roasted spices to a plate and let them cool completely.

2. 2.Grind Masala Powder

   Once cooled, transfer the roasted spices to a mixer grinder. Grind them into a fine powder. Set aside.

3. 3.Prepare Tempering

   In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and dried red chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

4. 4.Sauté Onions and Aromatics

   Add finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add crushed garlic and curry leaves, and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of garlic disappears.

5. 5.Add Tomatoes and Green Chilies

   Add turmeric powder and rock salt to the pan and mix well. Then add chopped tomatoes and slit green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften and become pulpy, about 3-4 minutes.

6. 6.Cook Brinjal with Masala

   Add about half of the prepared masala powder to the pan and mix thoroughly with the sautéed ingredients. Add the chopped brinjal pieces and sauté for 5 minutes, ensuring the brinjal is well coated with the masala.

7. 7.Simmer with Tamarind and Water

   Pour in the tamarind pulp and about 1/2 cup of water. Stir well, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for 10 minutes on medium-low heat until the brinjal is partially cooked and tender.

8. 8.Final Cooking and Seasoning

   Remove the lid. Add the remaining masala powder, another 1/4 cup of water, and adjust salt if needed. Mix everything well and cook for another 5 minutes, uncovered, until the curry thickens to your desired consistency and the oil starts to separate.

9. 9.Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Kathirikai Masala Curry hot with steamed rice or chapati.