Badanekaayi Gojju (Brinjal Curry) – South Karnataka Special
Brinjal curry, or Badanekaayi Gojju, is a traditional South Karnataka delicacy known for its delicious, tangy, and aromatic flavors. This comforting vegetarian dish is perfect for a hearty lunch, served with whole wheat parathas or a refreshing yogurt side like Lauki Raita.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 10 small |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 2 medium |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) leaves | For garnishing |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | For garnishing |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Tamarind Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: South Karnataka
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Brinjal
Start by thoroughly washing the brinjals. Slit each brinjal crosswise, but do not cut them all the way through. Keep them whole, as these slits will help them soak up all the delicious filling. -
-
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients to prepare the filling:- Freshly grated coconut
- Raw peanuts (moongphali)
- Tamarind paste
- Dry red chillies (broken into pieces)
- Cumin seeds (jeera)
- Red chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Mix everything thoroughly to create a uniform paste-like filling. Stuff this mixture into the slits of the brinjals. Let the brinjals sit while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
-
Prepare the Paste
In a blender, combine the remaining ingredients needed for the curry paste:- Fresh coconut (grated)
- Cumin seeds
- Red chillies
- Tamarind paste
- A bit of water (to help blend)
Blend to form a smooth, thick paste. You may need to add water gradually to achieve the desired consistency.
-
Sauté the Onions
In a wide, deep pan, heat the sunflower oil. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle and pop. Once they crackle, add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn a soft, golden pink. -
Cook the Brinjal
Add the stuffed brinjal along with any remaining filling into the pan with the sautéed onions. Stir well to coat the brinjals with the flavors of the onions and mustard seeds. Cover the pan and cook on medium heat until the brinjals are about three-quarters cooked, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. -
Add the Ground Paste
Once the brinjal is partially cooked, add the prepared ground paste into the pan along with about 1 cup of water. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary, and add jaggery (or a little sugar) to balance the tanginess of the tamarind. -
Simmer
Cover the pan and let the curry simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the brinjals are fully cooked and the gravy thickens. The brinjals should be tender and infused with the spicy, tangy paste. -
Final Garnishing
Once the curry is cooked to perfection, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and roasted peanuts (coarsely crushed). This adds a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this flavorful Badanekaayi Gojju hot with Whole Wheat Lachha Paratha or steamed rice for a wholesome South Indian meal. For an added touch, serve with a side of Lauki Raita (bottle gourd yogurt dip), which complements the curry’s spices beautifully.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry red chillies to suit your spice preference. You can also increase or decrease the red chilli powder accordingly.
- Peanut Variation: If you prefer a richer, nuttier flavor, you can add more roasted peanuts or even ground them into a paste to enhance the texture of the gravy.
- Add Vegetables: For a more wholesome dish, you can add other vegetables like potatoes or carrots along with the brinjal. This adds a colorful variety to the dish and increases its nutritional value.
This Badanekaayi Gojju is a perfect example of the rich flavors of South Karnataka cuisine, where tangy tamarind and earthy peanuts combine with the soft brinjal for a comforting curry. Its complex flavors and satisfying texture make it a must-try for any curry lover looking for something unique and flavorful. Enjoy this dish for a special lunch, and savor the authentic taste of Karnataka!
