Karnataka Style Badanekayi Palya: Spicy Brinjal with Coconut

Karnataka Style Badanekayi Palya Recipe: Long Brinjal in Spicy Coconut

Karnataka-style Badanekayi Palya, also known as long brinjal in spicy coconut, is a flavorful and aromatic dish from the southern state of Karnataka, India. With the combination of tender brinjal (eggplant), freshly grated coconut, and a unique blend of roasted spices, this dish is perfect as a side for any meal, especially when paired with rice and sambar.

This vegetarian delight not only makes for an irresistible accompaniment but also brings a burst of flavor with its perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and aroma. The long brinjals absorb the roasted spices and coconut, creating a deliciously rich and satisfying dish.

Ingredients for Karnataka Style Badanekayi Palya

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes

Servings

• Servings: 4

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Karnataka
• Course: Lunch
• Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions for Preparing Karnataka Style Badanekayi Palya

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Masala

1. Begin by roasting the dry ingredients for the masala. In a small skillet, heat it over low flame and add the chana dal. Roast until it turns golden brown.
2. Once the chana dal is roasted, add the coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, and Byadagi dried chilies. Continue roasting until you can smell the aromatic fragrance of the coriander seeds. This should take just a minute or two.
3. Remove the roasted ingredients from the skillet and allow them to cool completely. After cooling, grind the mixture into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Brinjal (Eggplant)

1. In a separate large skillet or pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.
2. Add the asafoetida (hing) and curry leaves to the hot oil. Stir for a few seconds to release the aroma of the curry leaves.
3. Now, add the chopped brinjal pieces to the pan. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and some salt to taste. Mix well, cover the pan, and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the brinjal becomes soft and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the brinjal from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Combine the Masala and Brinjal

1. Once the brinjal has softened, add the freshly grated coconut to the pan, along with the roasted and ground masala. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the spices and coconut are well-incorporated with the brinjal.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–10 minutes, ensuring that the spices and coconut blend into the brinjal. If the dish appears too dry, add a small amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.
3. Stir the palya occasionally, making sure the gravy doesn’t stick to the pan and that the masalas are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving

1. Once the brinjal is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove the pan from the heat.
2. Serve the Karnataka Style Badanekayi Palya hot as a side dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with Mixed Vegetable Sambar and steamed rice for a wholesome meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Badanekayi Palya:

• Fresh Coconut: Using fresh coconut will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. If fresh coconut is not available, you can use desiccated coconut, though it may alter the taste slightly.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of Byadagi chilies based on your spice preference. Byadagi chilies are relatively mild, but they add a beautiful red color to the dish.
• Roasting the Spices: Roasting the spices is essential to bring out their full flavor. Don’t skip this step, as it adds depth and aroma to the dish.
• Brinjal Texture: Ensure that the brinjal is cooked thoroughly, but not overcooked, to maintain its tender texture without turning mushy.

Nutritional Information

Enjoy this traditional Karnataka-style Badanekayi Palya as a flavorful addition to your meal, bringing the warmth and spice of South India straight to your table. It’s a perfect vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family, satisfying both the body and soul.