Vankaya Masala

Ingredients

• - Main ingredient as required
• - 3 tbsp sesame oil or ghee
• - 2 large onions
• - Spices as required
• - Salt to taste

Method

1. Prepare brinjal: Wash 2 medium purple brinjals. Cut into 2-cm cubes. Soak in water.
2. Fry brinjal: Drain and pat dry. Heat 3 tbsp oil. Fry brinjal cubes on medium-high heat 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Remove.
3. Fry onion: In the same oil add 1 finely chopped onion. Cook 8-10 minutes until golden.
4. Add ginger-garlic and tomatoes: Add 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, then 3 chopped tomatoes. Cook 8 minutes until oil separates.
5. Add spice powders: Add 1.5 tsp red chilli powder, 1.5 tsp coriander powder and half tsp turmeric. Fry 2 minutes.
6. Add fried brinjal: Add fried brinjal pieces back. Toss to coat in the masala.
7. Add water: Add half cup water and salt. Stir well.
8. Simmer: Cook on medium heat 8-10 minutes until the masala is thick and clings to the brinjal.
9. Add garam masala: Add 1 tsp garam masala. Mix well.
10. Serve: Adjust salt. Vankaya masala should be thick and richly spiced. Serve with steamed rice or roti.