Ennai Kulambu Kathirikai

Ennai Kathirikai Kulambu, a beloved dish in Tamil Nadu cuisine, is a flavorful sauce-based meal that tantalizes the taste buds with its delightful blend of spices. The term “Ennai” translates to “oil,” while “Kathirikai” refers to “eggplants” in Tamil, signifying the initial step in the preparation of this dish—cooking or frying the eggplants in oil. Despite the name “oily eggplant,” it doesn’t imply excessive oil usage in the recipe. This dish offers various preparation methods, from grinding roasted spices and coconut to creating a powdered masala paste for stuffing the eggplants. Ennai Kathirikai Kulambu is known for its slightly acidic and rich flavor, making it a perfect complement to steamed rice.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Serving Size: 4 

INGREDIENTS:

For Spice Paste:

• 2 teaspoons chana dal
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• ¼ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• 2 teaspoons gingelly oil (sesame oil)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 5 tablespoons fresh coconut (grated)
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• ⅓ cup water
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 dry red chilies
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Other Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• 250 grams small eggplant (baby eggplants)
• 2 pinches asafoetida (hing)
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 cup water
• 10 curry leaves
• Salt as required
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon jaggery powder

For Tamarind Pulp:

• 1 tablespoon tamarind
• ½ cup hot water

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preparing the Spice Paste:

1. In a pan, heat 2 teaspoons of gingelly oil (sesame oil) and add chana dal, urad dal, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, black pepper, dry red chilies, and poppy seeds.
2. Roast the spices until they turn aromatic and the dals become golden brown.
3. Remove the roasted spices from heat and allow them to cool.
4. Once cooled, transfer the roasted spices to a blender. Add grated fresh coconut and ⅓ cup of water.
5. Grind the mixture into a smooth paste. Set the spice paste aside.

Cooking Ennai Kathirikai Kulambu:

1. Wash and dry the small eggplants. Make a deep cross-shaped slit in each eggplant, ensuring they remain intact at the base.
2. Heat 3 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add asafoetida (hing) and curry leaves to the pan. Stir briefly.
4. Place the eggplants in the pan and gently sauté them in the seasoned oil until they turn slightly tender.
5. In a separate bowl, soak tamarind in ½ cup of hot water to prepare tamarind pulp. Extract the pulp, ensuring it’s free of seeds and impurities.
6. Pour the tamarind pulp into the pan with the sautéed eggplants.
7. Add turmeric powder, jaggery powder, and salt to the pan. Mix well.
8. Allow the kulambu (gravy) to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring the eggplants absorb the flavors.
9. Now, add the prepared spice paste to the pan and mix it thoroughly with the eggplants and tamarind gravy.
10. Pour 1 cup of water into the pan to achieve the desired consistency. Adjust the water level according to your preference.
11. Let the Ennai Kathirikai Kulambu simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the eggplants to cook to perfection.

Serving Ennai Kathirikai Kulambu:

1. Once the kulambu is ready, serve it hot with steamed rice, ensuring each serving includes a couple of eggplants.
2. Enjoy the rich and tangy flavors of this traditional Tamil Nadu dish.

TIPS:

• Eggplant Selection: Opt for small eggplants, often called “baby eggplants” or “Indian eggplants,” as they are ideal for this dish due to their tender texture and ability to absorb flavors.
• Tamarind Pulp: Soak tamarind in hot water and extract the pulp, ensuring it’s free of seeds and impurities, to achieve the perfect balance of tanginess.

Ennai Kathirikai Kulambu is a delightful dish that showcases the wonderful flavors of South Indian cuisine. The blend of spices, coconut, and tangy tamarind create a harmonious and savory gravy that perfectly complements the tender eggplants. This dish is a true testament to the culinary diversity of India, where each region offers its unique and delectable recipes.