Spicy Jawla Stuffed In Brinjal Recipe
This South Indian delicacy brings together the unique flavors of jawla fish, which are small but flavorful members of the prawn family, and the rich, creamy texture of brinjal (also known as eggplant). The jawla fish is cooked and combined with aromatic spices and fresh coconut, then stuffed inside brinjals and slow-cooked to perfection. This dish, full of rich flavors, can be enjoyed as a hearty side dish with rice or chapati. Whether you’re a seafood lover or someone exploring unique South Indian recipes, this spicy jawla stuffed brinjal will be a delightful addition to your menu.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Jawla:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jawla fish | 250 grams (sieved and cleaned) |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 250 grams |
| Tamarind water | As required |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coconut oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Garlic paste | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Brinjals:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 5 |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 500 grams |
| Dry red chilies | 4 |
| Coriander seeds (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Methi seeds (Fenugreek) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | As required |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | As required |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Cook the Jawla Fish:
Begin by adding coconut oil to a pan over medium heat. Once the oil heats up, add the jawla fish and stir-fry until the fish becomes crispy and releases a pleasant aroma. Set the fish aside for later use. -
Prepare the Onion and Spice Mixture:
In another pan, heat oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent. Add the red chili powder, tamarind water, ginger-garlic paste, and salt (keeping in mind that some preserved fish may already contain salt, so be mindful). Stir the mixture well and cook for a few minutes to allow the spices to blend. -
Prepare the Brinjals:
While the jawla and onion mixture are cooking, prepare the brinjals. Slit the brinjals lengthwise but be careful not to cut them entirely. Soak them in water to help the slits expand, creating space for the filling. -
Grind the Spice Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the grated fresh coconut, dry red chilies, coriander seeds, methi seeds, turmeric powder, and lemon juice. Grind these ingredients together into a smooth paste. -
Stuff the Brinjals:
Add the prepared jawla fish to the ground masala paste and mix well. Stuff the mixture into the slits of each brinjal, ensuring the fish filling is evenly distributed inside each vegetable. -
Cook the Stuffed Brinjals:
In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat and carefully place the stuffed brinjals in the pan. Add a little water to the pan to help steam the brinjals and allow them to cook thoroughly. Cover the pan and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the brinjals are soft and tender. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the brinjals are cooked, remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and additional grated coconut. Serve your delicious Spicy Jawla Stuffed In Brinjal with chapatis, rice, or rice bhakris for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Allergen Information:
- Contains fish (jawla) and coconut.
- May contain traces of nuts depending on cross-contamination during preparation.
Dietary Preferences:
- Non-Vegetarian: This dish includes jawla fish, making it suitable for those who consume seafood.
- Gluten-Free: The ingredients do not include gluten, making this dish suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity.
Tips & Advice:
- If jawla fish is unavailable, you can substitute with small prawns or any mild-flavored fish.
- Be careful while adding salt to the jawla mixture, as some preserved fish may already be salted. Taste and adjust accordingly.
- For a more robust flavor, you can let the stuffed brinjals rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Conclusion:
Spicy Jawla Stuffed In Brinjal is a mouthwatering South Indian dish that beautifully blends the freshness of brinjal with the savory and aromatic flavors of jawla fish. With a simple yet flavorful preparation, this dish makes for a great lunch option that can be served with traditional sides like chapati or rice. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
