Srilankan Fried Eggplant curry

I tasted this curry/kulambu recently in a Srilankan eatery. Was really amazed with the taste of the curry. Immediately, I searched through the internet for the recipe. I got very few inputs on the ingredients and the recipe. I tried the recipe few times and it turned out yummy! I have explained the recipe here. It is a simple recipe yet it tastes heavenly!!! Pardon me, if there is any error in the recipe and correct me if you know the original recipe in the comments section so that I can edit the post with the correct details..

Ingredients:

1. Eggplant (I used the long purple variety) - 3 to 4.

2. Garlic - 10 pods.

3. Onion -1 medium size.

4. Turmeric powder.

5. Chilli powder.

6. Sambar powder/ kulambu masala powder.

7. Tamarind pulp.

8. Salt.

9. Jaggery.

10. Mustard seeds.

11. Red chilli.

12. Curry leaves

13. Oil.

14. Coconut milk (optional)

Recipe:

              Chop the eggplant in 2 inch stripes. Chop the garlic lengthwise if it is big. Fry the chopped eggplant in batches until it is browned a little. Finally fry the garlic too. Chop the onions.

                Heat a tawa and add oil to it. When it is hot, add mustard seeds. Once it crackles, add curry leaves and broken red chillies. 

                 Add onion and saute it. Add the fried the eggplant and garlic. Add salt and give a stir. Add turmeric powder, chilli powder, sambar powder and give a stir. Saute a little and add tamarind pulp. Check for salt and add salt if needed. Add a little Jaggery (this step is optional). Allow the curry to boil. 

                 This curry is supposed to be thick. So make sure that tamarind pulp is not watery. Also do not add too much tamarind. It may override the taste of eggplant. simmer the curry. Stir it in between. Switch off the stove after 10 mins. Add coconut milk and give a stir(This step is optional).The Srilankan fried eggplant curry is ready. 

 

                  You can also add tomatoes in the recipe. But I felt tomatoes change the taste of the recipe... 

                  The curry goes very well with rice, Idly n Dosa!!! Try it!!! You will surely fall in love with the fried eggplant curry!!!