Gutti Vankaya Recipe
Description:
Gutti Vankaya is a traditional and flavorful Andhra dish where brinjals (eggplants) are stuffed with a rich and aromatic blend of spices, roasted ingredients, and tamarind. This delightful vegetarian dish is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Its distinctive taste is sure to win over your guests, making it a go-to choice for lunch or dinner. Serve this dish with rice, sambar, and papad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Eggplant) | 8-10 brinjals |
| Tamarind Paste | Lemon-size portion |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced + 1/2 cup finely chopped |
| Red Chili | 4-5 whole, for roasting |
| Peanuts | 4 tbsp |
| Sesame Seeds (White) | 2 tbsp |
| Coconut | 3 tbsp, grated |
| Coriander Seeds | 1-1/2 tbsp |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cardamom | 2 whole pods |
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
| Chana Dal (Gram Dal) | 1 tbsp |
| Oil | As needed |
| Bay Leaves | 2 leaves |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time:
| Time | 15 minutes |
Cooking Time:
| Time | 40 minutes |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Brinjal:
- Wash the brinjals thoroughly and make two slits in each, cutting halfway through. The bottom part of the brinjal should remain intact to hold the stuffing.
-
Tamarind and Brinjal Soaking:
- In a saucepan, add tamarind paste, salt, and enough water to cover the brinjals. Bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the prepared brinjals to the pan, turn off the heat, and cover it. Let the brinjals soak in the tamarind water for about 10 minutes.
-
Prepare the Onion Paste:
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté the sliced onions until they become soft and translucent.
- Once softened, transfer the onions to a mixer grinder along with some tamarind water, salt, and a little water. Grind it into a smooth paste and set aside.
-
Roast and Grind Spices:
- In a dry pan, roast the red chilies, peanuts, sesame seeds, grated coconut, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cardamom, garlic, and chana dal for 2-3 minutes until the spices release their aroma. Allow this mixture to cool.
- After cooling, grind this roasted mixture into a fine powder. Add salt and turmeric powder, and mix well.
-
Prepare the Stuffing Paste:
- To the ground spice powder, add the onion paste, a little tamarind water, and mix well to form a thick paste.
-
Stuff the Brinjals:
- Gently stuff each brinjal with the prepared spice paste, making sure to fill the slits completely.
-
Tempering and Cooking:
- In a large pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, bay leaves, and curry leaves. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
- Once the tempering is ready, add the stuffed brinjals and sauté them for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the remaining spice mixture and some tamarind water to the pan. Let the brinjals cook on a low flame, covered, for about 20-30 minutes or until they become tender.
-
Final Touch:
- Once the brinjals are well-cooked and the masala has thickened, turn off the heat.
-
Serving Suggestion:
- Serve your delicious Gutti Vankaya with Keerai Sambar, Steamed Rice, and crispy Papad for a wholesome Andhra meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the delightful stuffing that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
This hearty, flavorful dish brings together a medley of spices and textures, creating a unique dining experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family lunch or a special gathering, Gutti Vankaya is sure to be a hit!
