Kathirikai Poriyal / Simple Brinjal Fry | Indian Curry Recipes

I am always in the lookout for more brinjal recipes. DH being a big lover for Ennai Kathirikai Kulambu, Chinese Stir-fried eggplant or Eggplant Parmigiana we cannot get enough of the dishes which has eggplant. This is one particular recipe I arrived at when I was watching the cookery show by Chef Dhamu. I made it for lunch one day and it was a big hit at home. I love how the aroma of the fennel seeds and curry leaves flavours this dish.

Ingredients:
Brinjal / Indian eggplants - 8
Fennel Seeds / Sombu - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - 4
Onion - chopped - 3/4 cup
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tbsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder - 2 tsp
Black Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp or to taste
Salt - to taste
Oil - 3 tbsp
Cilantro / Coriander leaves - for garnish

Method:
Cut the stem off the brinjals and chop them into wedges. Place the cut brinjals in a bowl of water to prevent discoloration. Heat oil in a non-stick kadai over med-high heat and temper the fennel seeds and curry leaves. When the fennel seeds stops sizzling add the chopped onion. Fry until the onion shrinks and turns translucent. Add the ginger-garlic paste and follow the 2 minute rule (below). Drain the water from the brinjals and add to the pan. Spread in a single layer and allow it to sear for a couple of minutes. Using a wooden spoon turn over the pieces carefully. Sprinkle some salt and continue cooking until the brinjals are three-fourth done, turning over only occasionally. Add the turmeric, chilli and coriander powders and mix. Check for seasoning and add pepper as needed. Cook until completely done and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot as a side for rice. Best pair for curd rice.
Ginger Garlic paste and the 2 minute rule:
This is a trick I follow to fry ginger-garlic paste without burning them. Before adding the paste reduce the heat to medium. Add the paste and fry continuously for 2 minutes. Perfectly fried, raw smell gone and not burnt!!

Linking this to Cook like a Celebrity Chef event; Taste of the Tropics - Ginger and HITS - Diabetic Friendly and to Veggie/Fruits a Month - Eggplant.