Craving a vibrant, flavorful explosion in your mouth? Look no further than this Spicy Fried Masala Brinjal recipe! This Indian delicacy transforms humble eggplants into a tantalizing side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. The combination of aromatic spices, perfectly fried brinjal, and a touch of zing will leave you wanting more. Forget bland vegetables; this recipe is bursting with character, a delightful balance of spicy heat and savory depth. Imagine the satisfying crunch of the fried eggplant, mingling with the rich, fragrant masala…
This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the brinjal to achieving that perfect crispy exterior and flavourful interior. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create this delicious Spicy Fried Masala Brinjal together!
Tools Needed
- Bowls
- Knife
- Pan
Ingredients
- Brinjal (Eggplant): 500g
- Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: 2 tsp
- Coriander Powder: 2 tsp
- Cumin Powder: 1 tsp
- Mango Powder (Dry Mango Powder): 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder: 0.5 tsp
- Salt: 0.5 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Onion: 2 medium
- Garlic-Ginger Paste: 1 tsp
- Tomato Paste: 2 medium tomatoes
- Red Chilli Powder: 0.5 tsp
- White Cumin Seeds: 0.5 tsp
- Oil: 2-3 tbsp (for frying brinjal), 0.5 cup (for gravy)
- Water: 1 cup
- Green Coriander: finely chopped
- Green Chillies: finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Marinate the Brinjal
- In a bowl, mix Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, mango powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Wash and cut the brinjal lengthwise, making cuts to create square-shaped boxes. This helps check for worms and ensures even cooking.
- Apply the prepared masala into the cuts of the brinjal, ensuring it's well coated.
Step 2. Shallow Fry the Brinjal
- Heat oil in a pan. Place the marinated brinjal pieces in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned and softened.
Step 3. Prepare and Simmer the Gravy
- Heat oil in another pan, add cumin seeds and sauté. Add the onion paste and fry until light golden. Add the garlic-ginger paste and fry until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste to the onion-garlic mixture. Add Kashmiri red chilli powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder and salt. Mix well. Fry for 1-1.5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add water to the spice mixture. Simmer on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4. Combine, Garnish, and Serve
- Add the fried brinjal to the gravy, mix gently, cover, and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes on each side to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with chopped green coriander and green chillies. Cover and let it simmer on low flame for 2 minutes. Serve hot with rotis, parathas, or bread.
Read more: Crispy Chilli Chana Recipe: Restaurant-Style Crunchy Chickpeas
Tips
- Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference.
- Don't overcook the brinjal during shallow frying; they should be slightly soft but not mushy.
- Adjust the amount of water in the gravy to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of eggplant?
Yes, you can! While Indian brinjals are ideal, you can substitute with globe eggplants or Japanese eggplants. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed, smaller eggplants will cook faster.
2. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of chili powder or green chilies used in the recipe. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to balance the heat.
This Spicy Fried Masala Brinjal recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Enjoy this delicious dish as a vibrant side, a hearty vegetarian meal, or a delightful addition to your next Indian feast. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!