Kathirikai Gothsu (South Indian Style Spicy and Tangy Eggplant Curry) Recipe
Kathirikai Gothsu is a flavorful, tangy, and mildly spicy eggplant curry, typically served as a side dish in South Indian meals. This dish is made with soft, tender brinjal (eggplant) cooked with aromatic spices, tamarind, and jaggery, creating a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. The addition of sambar powder enhances its complexity, making it a mouthwatering delight. Ideal for pairing with Ven Pongal or any South Indian breakfast spread, this dish embodies the essence of traditional Tamil cuisine. Let’s dive into the detailed recipe for this tasty South Indian treat!
Kathirikai Gothsu Recipe
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | South Indian |
| Course | Side Dish |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brinjal (Baingan/Eggplant), diced | 1 medium-sized |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions), quartered | 10 small-sized |
| Tomatoes, quartered | 2 medium-sized |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1-inch piece |
| Tamarind water | 1/2 cup |
| Sambar powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Gingelly oil (Sesame oil) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | For garnish |
Instructions
-
Prepare the ingredients:
- Dice the brinjal (eggplant) into small chunks.
- Quarter the tomatoes and finely chop the ginger.
- Soak tamarind in water to extract the juice (if using fresh tamarind) or use pre-made tamarind water.
-
-
Cook the spices:
- Heat the gingelly oil in a preheated pressure cooker.
- Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle. This will release the flavor of the mustard.
- Add asafoetida (hing) and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sambar onions (pearl onions) and ginger, and sauté until the onions soften slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add vegetables and seasonings:
- Stir in the diced brinjal (eggplant) and tomatoes.
- Add the tamarind water, turmeric powder, sambar powder, and salt to taste.
- Add a small piece of jaggery (or more if you prefer a sweeter flavor) to balance the tanginess of tamarind.
- Pour in a quarter cup of water and stir to combine all the ingredients well.
-
Pressure cook:
- Close the pressure cooker with its lid and cook for 3 to 4 whistles on medium heat.
- After 4 whistles, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes.
-
Final touches:
- Open the lid of the pressure cooker, and give the Gothsu a good stir.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander (dhania) leaves for added freshness and aroma.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the Kathirikai Gothsu to a serving bowl.
- Serve it hot as a side dish with Ven Pongal, idli, or dosa for an authentic South Indian breakfast experience.
Tips for the Best Kathirikai Gothsu:
- Eggplant Texture: Ensure that the brinjal is cooked to a soft consistency, which makes the curry more flavorful. Overcooking it slightly helps to blend it well with the spices.
- Sambar Powder: Adjust the amount of sambar powder according to your spice tolerance. If you like it spicier, you can add a little more.
- Tamarind Water: If you’re using tamarind paste, mix 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste in 1/2 cup of warm water. If you have fresh tamarind, soak a small ball of tamarind in hot water for 10 minutes and extract the juice.
- Sweetness Balance: The jaggery adds a slight sweetness that balances the tangy tamarind, but you can adjust it to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Sodium | 130mg |
Why You’ll Love Kathirikai Gothsu:
Kathirikai Gothsu is the perfect side dish to accompany your South Indian breakfast or dinner. The eggplant absorbs the tangy flavors of tamarind and spices, while the sweetness from jaggery gives it a unique taste that is both savory and slightly sweet. The rich aroma of gingelly oil combined with the curry leaves and mustard seeds infuses the dish with an irresistible fragrance. The easy pressure cooking method makes this dish quick and simple to prepare, yet it’s packed with bold flavors that will leave you craving more.
For an authentic South Indian meal, enjoy Kathirikai Gothsu with Ven Pongal, idli, dosa, or even steamed rice. This recipe brings the taste of traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine right to your kitchen, offering a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Embrace the simple joys of Kathirikai Gothsu and explore the heart of South Indian flavors.
