Stuffed Brinjals..

Ingredients:

8-10 small rounded firm brinjals

3 medium onions very finely chopped

3 tbsp. roasted groundnuts powdered coarsely

3 tbsp. grated fresh coconut

1 tsp black or other garam masala

1 tsp each chilli powder, dhania powder

1 1/2 sugar

salt to taste

2-3 tbsp. oil

1/2 tsp each mustard and cumin seeds

1 tsp garlic-ginger paste or grated

1/4 cup curds

Method:

1. Wash and the clean brinjals. Make 2 slits to form a cross. Leave the stalks intact. Drop them immediately into cold salt water.
2. Mix the onions, coconut, all dry masalas, curds, ginger-garlic paste, well and make a smooth filling.
3. Stuff some of this mixture into each slit of the brinjals.
4. Heat oil in a heavy or non-stick pan, add the mustard, cumin seeds wait to splutter, slide in the brinjals slowly.
5. Cover with remaining mixture.
6. Add 2 cups water. Simmer on low, covered till done. Stir once or twice in between.
7. Cook till brinjals are tender to touch.

Serve hot with wheat or jowar chappatis...

Garam Masala

Garam Masala

Cinnamon - 3" sticks
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tbsp
Coriander Seeds - 1/2 tbsp
Black Pepper - 5-6
Bay Leaf - 1
Cloves - 4

Take all ingredients and mix.

Put ghee, add ingredients and roast on low flame till crisp and golden. It should give off a strong spicy aroma. Cool.

Pound to a coarse powder, either in a mortar and pestle or dry grind in a mixie.

Use as required.

Note: Use a heavy pan or griddle (tawa) for best roasting.