Kathirikai Rasa Vangi
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Tamil Nadu
Diet: Vegetarian
Kathirikai Rasa Vangi is a traditional South Indian recipe often enjoyed by Brahmin families of Tamil Nadu. This flavorful dish combines brinjal (eggplant) with freshly ground spices, tamarind, and a hint of jaggery to create a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors. Itβs an excellent choice for your everyday meal or as part of a larger South Indian feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brinjal (chopped)
- 1/4 cup tuvar dal (arhar dal)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 lemon-sized tamarind, soaked in 1 cup water
- 1 tsp jaggery, powdered
- Salt, to taste
For grinding: - 1/2 tbsp chana dal (gram dal)
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 dried red chili
- 10-15 whole black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
For tempering:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 sprig curry leaves
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Instructions:
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Cook the Lentils: In a pressure cooker, add the tuvar dal with water and cook until you hear 2 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally. Once done, open the cooker and mix the dal. Set it aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: In a pan, dry roast the chana dal, coriander seeds, dried red chili, and black pepper until golden. Add the grated coconut and continue to roast until it turns slightly brown. Add a little water and grind the mixture into a smooth paste.
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Cook Brinjal: Heat sesame oil in a pan, add chopped brinjal, and cook until itβs about 3/4 cooked.
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Add Tamarind and Seasonings: To the brinjal, add tamarind paste, turmeric powder, jaggery, and salt. Let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
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Combine Lentils and Spice Paste: Add the cooked lentils to the pan, bring it to a boil, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the coconut paste, adjust with water as needed, and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Prepare the Tempering: In a separate tempering pan, heat sesame oil and add mustard seeds. Let them crackle, then add curry leaves. Turn off the heat and pour the tempering into the curry. Mix well.
Serve your Kathirikai Rasa Vangi hot with laccha paratha and a raita of your choice for a complete and delicious South Indian meal. Enjoy!
