Stuffed Brinjal- Mom's Masterpiece Recipe

Happy Birthday Amma..My Best Friend...My Pride!! Today's recipe is dedicated to her, to celebrate her special day. This dish is her speciality, I have made this umpteen number of times but have never been able to replicate the same taste as she makes.Whatever I am today is because of her hardwork and dedication. She gave me a handwritten  book of recipes when I was beginning the new phase of my life. That book still gives me the confidence to cook and also gives me a feeling that she is always present beside me :) Love you lots Amma :)

Ingredients:

Brinjal - 6 small ones

Onion - 1 medium chopped

Tomato - 1 medium chopped

Oil - 2 tsp

Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Kasoori Methi - 1/4 tsp

Coriander leaves - 1 tsp chopped for garnish

For the masala:

Onion - 2 nos

Coconut grated - 3 tsp

Coriander pwd - 1tsp

Cumin powder - 1 tsp

Garam Masala - 1 tsp

Ginger Garlic paste - 1 tsp

Chilli powder - 1 tsp

Turmeric Powder -  1/2 tsp

Pepper powder - 1/4 tsp

Cinnamon - 1" piece

Cloves - 3 

Cardamom -2

Khus Khus - 1 tsp

Sesame Seeds - 1 tsp

Salt - to taste

Coriander leaves - a few stalks

Method:

• Wash brinjal well and slit into 4 without breaking it.
• Grind all the ingredients under for the masala heading into a smooth paste.
• Stuff brinjals with this paste. Reserve the remaining masala for the gravy.
• Take 2 tsp oil, add cumin seeds and once they crackle add the chopped onions.
• Saute the onions till translucent.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and saute till they become supple.
• Then add the reserved masala and fry well till the raw smell disappears.
• Now place the stuffed brinjals one by one on the masala and add 1/4 cup of water.
• Give a gentle stir. Cover and cook on simmer till the brinjals are done.
• Keep turning the brinjals at regular intervals.
• Check for salt and add 1/4 cup more water if required.
• Once the brinjals are done, add kasoori methi and mix gently.
• Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with chappathis, rotis or phulkas.

Note:

• Turn the brinjals gently.
• Do not mix often else the brinjals will break.
• The gravy must be semi- thick.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMMA!!