Kathirikai UrulaiKizhanghu Pachidi Recipe (Brinjals and Potatoes with Moong Dal)
Description:
Kathirikai UrulaiKizhanghu Pachidi is a popular and flavorful Chettinad dish that features tender brinjals (eggplants) and potatoes cooked with moong dal (yellow split lentils). This dish is mildly spicy, with the subtle heat from green chilies, making it a perfect accompaniment to idli, dosa, chapatti, or plain rice. It is a versatile and easy-to-make recipe using common pantry ingredients, loved by people of all ages. The earthy flavors of the dal combined with the creaminess of the vegetables create a delicious harmony that can be enjoyed as a hearty side or a light meal.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup | Soaked for 15 minutes |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon | For color and flavor |
| Shallots | 1/2 cup | Finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1 | Finely chopped |
| Brinjal (Baingan/Eggplant) | 1/2 cup | Cubed (smaller brinjals recommended for enhanced taste) |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 1/2 cup | Cubed |
| Green Chillies | 3 | Finely chopped |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust as per taste |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | A handful | For garnish |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons | For tempering and cooking |
| Curry Leaves | A handful | Adds aromatic flavor |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 | For tempering |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon | Adds a crunchy texture and flavor |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon | For tempering |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak Moong Dal: Start by soaking the yellow moong dal in water for about 15 minutes. Once soaked, wash the dal thoroughly.
-
Cook Moong Dal: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked moong dal along with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and 2 cups of water. Pressure cook for about 3 whistles. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally. Open the cooker and mash the dal into a paste with a ladle. Set it aside.
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Prepare Tempering: Heat oil in a medium-sized saucepan or pot over medium flame. Add curry leaves, dry red chilies, mustard seeds, and white urad dal to the hot oil. Fry these ingredients until the mustard seeds begin to splutter and the urad dal turns golden brown.
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Sauté Onions and Tomatoes: Add the finely chopped shallots to the pan and sauté them until they become translucent. Next, add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and turmeric powder. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
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Cook Vegetables: Add the cubed potatoes and brinjals (eggplant) to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook over a low to medium flame. Let the vegetables cook until they become tender.
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Add Dal and Water: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the mashed moong dal to the pan and mix well. Add 1-2 cups of water to achieve your desired consistency. Stir the mixture to blend the dal and vegetables together smoothly.
-
Seasoning and Simmering: Season the dish with salt according to your taste. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
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Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves. Kathirikai UrulaiKizhanghu Pachidi is now ready to serve!
Serving Suggestion:
Serve this delicious Kathirikai UrulaiKizhanghu Pachidi with plain rice, idli, dosa, or chapatti. For an authentic South Indian meal, pair it with a side of sambar for a truly flavorful experience.
Tips for a Perfect Kathirikai UrulaiKizhanghu Pachidi:
- Use Small Brinjals: Small brinjals or eggplants are ideal for this dish as they have a tender texture and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Consistency Adjustment: You can adjust the consistency of the dish by adding more or less water. If you prefer a thicker curry, add less water; for a soup-like texture, add more.
- Tempering Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or tempering ingredients such as cumin or fenugreek seeds for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy this comforting, mildly spicy South Indian delicacy and treat your taste buds to a burst of flavors with every bite!
