Gutthi vankaya/ Bharli Vaangi / stuffed brinjal masala

Gutthi vankaya/ Bharli Vaangi / stuffed brinjal masala :

Ingredients:

•10 small brinjals/eggplants,
•1 cup dry shredded coconut,
•1/2 cup peanut powder or peanuts (roasted),
•1/4 cup sesame seeds,
•1 tbsp each coriander-cumin seeds,
•2 tbsp Maharashtrian goda Masala ,
•1 tsp tamarind pulp,
•1 tbsp jaggery,
•2 tsp chili powder,
•salt to taste,
•1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional),
•1 tsp turmeric powder.
•2 tsp oil.

Masala:
cloves : 5-6
black pepper : 6
jeera : 1 tspn
elaichi : 4
dalchin - half inch piece
Roast all the above masala ingredients and grind them together into powder consistency.

Method :

1.Remove stems and give four vertical slits (not fully) to the brinjals from the top. If you want to keep the stems, give the slits from the bottom of the brinajls keeping the stem intact. Keep them in salt water for 10 minutes and rinse. Set aside.

2.Roast coconut, sesame seeds, coriander-cumin seeds together till light brown. Powder this mixture and combine tamarind, jaggery, peanut powder, ginger-garlic paste, salt, chili powder and masala mentioned above

3.Heat oil in a pan. Make standard tempering with mustard and turmeric.

4.Add the eggplants and sauté for half a minute and adda pinch of salt just enough for making the brinjal's soft.

5.Add the masala and mix well. Add 1 cup water. Close the lid and cook until eggplants are soft.

6.Garnish with additional coriander leaves. Serve hot !!!