Brinjal curry (Bhadnekai Gojju)

Gojju is a Karnataka dish that is quite easy to make. Tastes good with Chapathi or roti. It can be made with a variety of different vegetables. It can be made with brinjal, okra, green onions, or just onions.

This time I have made it with brinjal, though my favorite is the okra one. I did not have sesame seeds on hand, so I ended up using some cashews this time.

Ingredients:

1. Japanese brinjal -- 3 (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
2. Onion -- 1 (chopped, this is optional)
3. Dry red chilli -- 5
4. Coconut -- 1/2 cup
5. Dalia (Hurgadle) -- 1/4 cup
6. Tamarind paste -- 1 1/2 tbsp
7. Sesame seeds -- 1 tbsp
8. Salt -- to taste
9. Oil -- 2 tbsp
10. Mustard seeds -- 1 tsp
11. Urad dal -- 1 tsp
12. Jaggery --  1 inch piece (can substitute brown sugar)

Method:

1. Grind red chillies, coconut, dalia, tamarind paste, sesame seeds, and jaggery together into a paste.
2. Heat oil, add mustard seeds and urad dal. When mustard seeds start to splutter, add the onions (if using) and cook for a minute or two until onion is translucent. Then add the brinjal pieces and salt and cover and let cook on medium heat for 5 minutes or until brinjal is done cooking.
3. Now add the red chilli paste and allow it to cook another 5 minutes. 
4. Adjust  sweet, salt, or heat by adding more of jaggery, salt, or red chilli powder if needed.