South Indian Brinjal Kuzhambu
This traditional South Indian brinjal kuzhambu is a tangy, spicy curry that perfectly balances the earthy flavors of tender brinjals with aromatic spices and tamarind. A comforting dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice and gets even more delicious the next day.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 95kcal
Ingredients
- 6-8 small purple brinjals chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 10-12 pearl onions
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- 10-12 garlic cloves chopped
- Lemon-sized tamarind
- 1 tbsp sambar powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1½ tbsp gingelly oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp fenugreek seeds
- 8-10 curry leaves
Instructions
- Soak tamarind in hot water for 15 minutes, then extract juice and strain.
- Heat gingelly oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter, then add fenugreek seeds and curry leaves.
- Add chopped onion and pearl onions, sauté until golden brown.
- Add chopped garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chopped brinjals and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add chopped tomato and cook until it breaks down and becomes mushy.
- Pour in tamarind juice, add sambar powder, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the kuzhambu thickens.
- Adjust salt and spice levels as needed, then remove from heat.
Notes
Soak chopped brinjals in salted water to prevent browning and reduce bitterness
Adjust tamarind quantity based on your preference for tanginess
The kuzhambu should have a thick, gravy-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days - flavors develop and improve overnight
Can substitute gingelly oil with regular cooking oil, but sesame oil adds authentic flavor
For extra heat, add 2-3 dried red chilies while tempering
Fresh curry leaves make a significant difference compared to dried ones
Nutrition
Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.6g | Sodium: 380mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g