Nellore Brinjal Fry Recipe | Spicy Andhra Eggplant Curry with Roasted Masala

Nellore Brinjal Fry Recipe (Nellor Kathirikai)

Nellore Brinjal Fry, also known as Nellor Kathirikai, is a rich and aromatic brinjal curry from Andhra Pradesh, known for its balance of spice and flavor. This dish combines roasted brinjal with a fragrant masala made from roasted spices, onions, fresh coconut, and a variety of ingredients ground into a smooth paste. The resulting curry makes an excellent side dish that pairs beautifully with tawa parathas or a bowl of steaming rice. The right amount of spice and rich texture in this recipe will leave you craving more with every bite.

Cuisine: Andhra

Course: Main Course

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Slice the brinjal and soak it in salt water to prevent discoloration. Set aside.

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2. Roasting the Brinjal:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and curry leaves, allowing the mustard seeds to crackle. Drain the brinjal slices and add them to the pan along with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture to combine. Cover the pan and cook the brinjal until it is roasted and soft. Set it aside.

3. Making the Nellor Masala:
   In the same pan, dry roast the chana dal, coriander seeds, and dry red chillies until the dal turns golden brown. Transfer the roasted mixture to a plate and set aside to cool.

4. Preparing the Onion-Coconut Masala:
   Heat another tablespoon of sesame oil in the pan. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they soften and turn golden brown. Add the grated fresh coconut and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the coconut releases its aroma. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.

5. Grinding the Masala:
   Once the onion-coconut mixture has cooled, transfer both the roasted dal-coriander-chilli mixture and the sautéed onion-coconut mixture to a blender. Add 1/4 cup of water and grind everything into a smooth paste.

6. Bringing It All Together:
   Add the ground masala paste to the roasted brinjal along with 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything to combine, making sure the brinjal is well coated with the masala.

7. Simmering the Dish:
   Cover the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Adjust the salt and spices to taste.

8. Final Touch:
   Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the curry and give it a final mix. Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat.

9. Serving:
   Transfer the Nellore Brinjal Fry to a serving bowl and serve hot. This dish goes wonderfully with steamed rice, Palak Tovve (spinach dal), or tawa parathas.

Tips:

• You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the number of dry red chillies based on your preference.
• If you prefer a smoother texture for the curry, you can blend the roasted brinjal with the masala paste for a silky finish.
• For an extra depth of flavor, you can garnish the curry with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic Nellore Brinjal Fry as part of your next meal. It will surely be a hit with family and friends!