Chettinad Kathirikai Chops Recipe – Brinjal Curry for Biryani
The Chettinad Kathirikai Chops, an exquisite brinjal curry, is a delightful complement to the vibrant flavors of biryani. Originating from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, this dish boasts a medley of spices and ingredients that create a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire, especially when serving biryani.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small Brinjal (Baingan/Eggplant) | 5 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Red chili powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Jaggery | 2 teaspoons |
| Tamarind paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black sesame seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Raw peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Ginger | 1 inch |
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
| Onions (sliced) | 2 |
| Green chilies | 2 |
| Gingelly oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 pinch |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fats | 10 g |
| Sodium | Varies based on salt added |
Preparation Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Serving Size
| Servings |
|---|
| 3 |
Cuisine and Course
| Cuisine | Course | Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Chettinad | Main Course | Vegetarian |
Instructions
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Prepare the Brinjal: Start by washing the brinjals thoroughly and cutting them into wedges. To prevent browning and bitterness, soak the brinjal wedges in a bowl of salted water while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Roasting the Spices: In a small pan over medium heat, dry roast the cumin seeds, black sesame seeds, and raw peanuts. Keep an eye on them, and roast until they become fragrant—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Once roasted, remove from the heat and allow to cool.
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Making the Masala Paste: Transfer the roasted spices into a mixer jar. Add ginger, garlic, green chilies, and sliced onions, along with a splash of water to facilitate blending. Grind everything into a smooth paste and set aside.
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Cooking the Curry: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the gingelly oil over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle. Then, add a pinch of asafoetida and the curry leaves, sautéing for a few minutes until the leaves release their aroma and stop crackling.
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Adding the Spices: Next, add the prepared masala paste, along with turmeric powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to allow the spices to infuse into the oil for a couple of minutes.
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Cooking the Brinjals: Drain the brinjal wedges and add them to the pan, followed by the finely chopped tomatoes. Stir gently to combine, then cover the pan and let it cook on low flame for about 2 minutes.
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Adding the Liquid Ingredients: Open the lid, and add the jaggery, tamarind paste, and half a cup of water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, then bring to a boil. Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.
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Final Cooking: Cover the pan again and let the curry simmer on low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the brinjals are completely cooked through and tender, almost falling apart. Once done, turn off the flame.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve your delectable Chettinad Kathirikai Chops warm alongside fragrant biryani dishes such as Hyderabadi Biryani with Basmati Rice (both mutton and chicken) or the Ambur Star Chicken Biryani Recipe. For a complete meal experience, pair it with Sweet & Spicy Coriander Tadka Raita.
Conclusion
This Chettinad Kathirikai Chops Recipe showcases the robust flavors of the Chettinad cuisine, featuring an enchanting mix of spices and the rich taste of brinjals that perfectly complements the aromatic biryani. The sweetness from jaggery, tanginess from tamarind, and the warmth of spices come together to create a dish that will surely elevate your dining experience. Enjoy this delightful curry with your favorite biryani and experience the culinary magic of South India!
