Gutti Wonkai - Andhra styled Stuffed brinjal in a tangy sauce

     Brinjal is not so pampered member of our kitchen.  They are utmost relished as spicy biriyani rice or as an curry.  They were in need of an desparate lift and this is why I bumped into one of my precious collections, 'The Essential Andhra Cookbook' by Bilkees I. Latif.  This book has various dishes as Hyderabadi and Telangana specialities.

So browsing under the vegetarian section, I got this Gutti Wonkai.  The ingredients were as simple, as to find in any South Indian Kitchen.  With sambhar and rice made, I moved on to make these.  Green chilly and coriander imparted an nice flavour to the brinjals.  And they tasted great with rice, though recipe suggested with roti.  After an good review from my mate, this is going to be an regular menu at our kitchen. Let's move on to the recipe.

Bharwan bainghan (stuffed brinjal)

Ingredients required

• 7-8 small purple brinjals

For the filling

• 1 tsp roasted, crushed peanuts
• 2 tsp grated coconuts
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 tsp white sesame seeds(optional)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp roasted whole jeera
• 1/2 tsp whole dhaniya
• 1/2 tsp crushed peppercorn
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

To temper

• 3 tsp oil
• 1/2 tsp rai/mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp jeera
• 3-4 curry leaves, chopped finely

Other

• 4 tsp tomato puree
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 3 tsp of finely chopped coriander leaves, to garnish

Method

Blend the ingredients given under filling portion, keep aside.  Wash brinjals. By holding the stem of the brinjal by ur fingers, make two slits both horizontally and vertically.

Through this gap, place ur filling prepared and arrange filled brinjals in ur plate

Meanwhile heat oil in kadaai, and add ingredients for temper one by one,  when done, placed stuffed brinjals and cook.

When brinjals are almost half done, add tomato puree followed by salt and garam masala.  Cook till done and serve hot garnished with coriander leaves