Vankaya Nuvvula Masala (Brinjal in Sesame Sauce)

Vanakaya Nuvvala Masala is a classic Andhra vegetarian curry that is prepared on special occassions.
This dish goes well with rice and roti.

INGREDIENTS

Purple brinjals  -  6 nos
Onion sliced  -  1 nos
Green chillies  -  4 nos
Grated coconut  -  3 tbsp
Sesame seeds  -  2 tbsp
Cumin seeds  -  1/2 tsp
Ginger garlic paste  -  1 tsp
Turmeric powder  -  1/4 tsp
Red chilli powder  -  1 tsp
Coriander powder  -  2 tsp
Cumin powder  -  1/2 tsp
Curry leaves  -  few
Oil  -  2 tbsp
Salt  -  as needed


METHOD

Slit the brinjal into four parts. Do nut cut it fully and place it in salted water for 10 minutes.
Add little oil in a pan and add the brinjal  and roast them till brown. Keep it aside.
In the same pan add the sliced onions and green chillies and saute well on low flame.
Then grind the above into a fine paste.
Lightly roast the grated coconut and sesame seeds and grind it into a fine paste by adding water.
Add the remaining oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, when it splutters add curry leaves.
Then add the onion paste and saute for 2 minutes.
Then add ginger garlic paste and saute again for 2 minutes.
Add the sesame paste to cook for 3 minutes.
Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and salt.
Mix well and add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the flame and finally add the roasted brinjals and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes or until the gravy thickens.
Serve hot with roti or rice.