Description
Vankaya Bajji is a smoky, mashed brinjal dish from Andhra cuisine, packed with bold flavors, fresh herbs, and fiery chilies. It pairs perfectly with hot rice or can be served as a unique dip.
Ingredients
- Eggplant (Brinjal): 2 large – roasted until charred and soft, forms the smoky, creamy base.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped – adds crunch and sweetness.
- Green Chilies: 2 to 3, finely chopped – provides the fiery kick.
- Garlic Cloves: 4, minced – infuses bold aroma and depth.
- Tamarind Pulp: 1 tablespoon – adds tangy brightness.
- Salt: to taste – enhances all the other flavors.
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: handful, chopped – brings freshness and a hint of citrus.
- Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon – for the tempering, adds earthy pungency.
- Curry Leaves: 6 to 8 – aromatic element in the tempering.
- Oil: 1 tablespoon – to fry the tempering ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: If roasting over gas, keep tongs ready. Heat a small tempering pan for later.
- Combine Ingredients: Roast the brinjals over an open flame until the skin is blackened and the insides are soft. Let them cool slightly, peel off the skin, and mash in a bowl.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Chop the onions, garlic, and chilies. Keep tempering ingredients ready.
- Assemble the Dish: Add onions, chilies, garlic, tamarind pulp, salt, and coriander to the mashed eggplant. Mix well with a fork.
- Cook to Perfection: Heat oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Toss in curry leaves and fry briefly.
- Finishing Touches: Pour the tempering over the eggplant mixture and stir to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with hot rice and a dollop of ghee, or enjoy as a side with dosa or chapati.
Notes
- Roast directly over flame for authentic smoky flavor.
- Add a pinch of jaggery to balance spice with a hint of sweetness.
- Use sesame oil in the tempering for a nutty twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vankaya Bajji, Andhra Brinjal Dish, Roasted Eggplant Mash, Brinjal Recipe, South Indian Side