Brinjal Gothsu - a traditional Tamil side-dish

From my friend Usha - Thank you!

Brinjal Gothsu - a traditional Tamil side-dish (alas nobody makes it anymore except at some weddings)

Ingredients:

Brinjal( Big variety) - 2
Tamarind - half the size of a lemon
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp.
Dry red chillies - 2
Green chillies- 2
Curry leaves - few
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp.
Salt - as per taste
Hing
Rice flour - 1 teaspoon (optional)
Oil - 2 tablespoons

Method:

Brush the brinjals with oil, poke them in a few places with a fork and roast them on direct, medium flame. Turn on all sides by holding the stems till the outer skin turns black. When cool peel the skin and gently rub under running water to remove the small black parts. Mash it slightly and keep aside.
Soak tamarind in water and extract pulp.
Slit green chillies and red chillies.
In a kadai, heat oil and add mustard seeds, green chillies and red chillies, hing, turmeric powder and curry leaves. Now add the tamarind extract and salt and allow it to boil till its raw smell is diffused and slightly thick. Now add the mashed brinjals and allow to cook.

Excellent combination with Ven pongal , idli, arisi upma and curd rice.

Aloo Gobi (Potaoes with Cauliflower)

This came out really well.

Ingredients
• 1 Cauliflower
• 4 Potatoes
• 1 Tomato
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• ½ tsp Red chilli
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp Oil

How to make Aloo Gobhi
• Wash cauliflower and potatoes and cut into pieces.
• Heat the oil and add potatoes and cauliflower and leave it on medium flame for 5 minutes.
• Add chopped tomato, turmeric powder, coriander, red chili and salt.
• Cook it for 5 minutes.
• I added some chopped coriander in the end, and a dash of lime.
• Serve it with rotis.

From: http://www.indobase.com/recipes