Vankaya Pakodi Koora Recipe – Andhra Style Brinjal Pakora Curry
Vankaya Pakodi Koora is a delectable and hearty Andhra-style brinjal curry that combines the crispy goodness of pakoras with the rich, flavorful spices of an onion-tomato masala. The pakoras, made with a batter of gram flour and rice flour, are fried to perfection, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. When added to the brinjal curry, they absorb all the aromatic spices, making every bite a delightful blend of textures and flavors. This vegetarian delight is a perfect main course dish, served hot with rice for a fulfilling dinner.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 8, cut into wedges |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 6 cloves, finely chopped |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs, roughly torn |
| Tomatoes | 3, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sambar Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 6 sprigs |
For the Pakoda:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Rice flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, finely chopped |
| Green Chilli | 1, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Oil | For frying |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by prepping all the ingredients. Cut the brinjal (eggplant) into wedges and place them in a bowl of water to prevent discolouration. -
Make the Pakora:
In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), rice flour, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, finely chopped garlic, green chillies, onion, and salt. Gradually add water to make a thick batter that coats the back of a spoon.
Heat oil in a paniyaram pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop a tablespoon of the pakora batter into each cavity of the pan. Fry the pakoras on both sides until they turn golden brown and crispy. If needed, drizzle some extra oil to ensure the pakoras crisp up.
Once done, set the pakoras aside. -
Cook the Brinjal:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, and green chillies. Sauté the mixture until the onions soften and turn light brown.
Next, add the soaked brinjal wedges (drain the water first), sprinkle some salt and turmeric powder, and cook the brinjal on low-medium heat until it becomes tender, stirring occasionally.
Add the torn curry leaves and finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Sauté until the tomatoes become soft and mushy. Stir in the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and sambar powder, cooking for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. Add 1/4 cup of water to create a thick sauce. -
Combine Pakoras with Brinjal Mixture:
Once the brinjal and masala are cooked, gently stir in the prepared pakoras. Cover the pan and let the curry simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the pakoras to absorb the rich flavors of the masala.
Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the curry is ready, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped coriander leaves. Transfer the Vankaya Pakodi Koora to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice and a side of Jeera Milagu Rasam for a perfect Andhra-style meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Vankaya Pakodi Koora pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, making it an ideal choice for a comforting dinner. You can also serve it with roti or paratha for a fulfilling meal.
This dish encapsulates the essence of Andhra cuisine with its bold flavors and textures. The crispy pakoras complement the tender brinjal and the aromatic onion-tomato masala, creating a dish that is both hearty and flavorful. Perfect for a vegetarian dinner, this dish will certainly be a hit in your household!
