Also known as: Brinjal Gothsu, Eggplants Kothsu, Baingan-Tamatar Curry.

Well…to begin with, I am going to tell you a small story that my Dad told me several times, when I was a kid! Each time the story was told during dinner time for some reason! As I told you all before’ I am such an accident prone person. When I was growing up…it was so common that I always toppled over something or something spilled over me:( I either broke a glass article or dash over a jar of water or spilled rasam/sambar during our dinner time:( And my mother cleared up the mess patiently most of the time /sometimes she complained as well!

Anyway…few things have never changed so far, now a days…I either cut my finger, while chopping veggies or ruin my arms with hot spilling or set the stove over fire!!! On top of it, only this time…I have to take care of myself:( Considering the number of mishaps, I always have a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and few necessary things handy before intending to cook! And I really get worse at new kitchens!!!

Anyhooo, the story is…Once upon a time, a great king was defeated in the battle, so he absconded into the forest fearing capture, after traveling in the woods for several days and nights, without food and water, he was so tired…later that night’ he saw a small hut lit with a oil lamp. Eagerly he walked towards it and knocked the door. And an old lady greeted him, and asked him to join her for dinner. She generously prepared a hearty pongal dish and served him steamed hot. Since our king is so hungry, he kept his fingers’ right into the middle of the serving and soon burnt his fingers! The wise lady saw him with pity and said…you are not suppose to touch the middle of the serving, as it is still steaming hot’ so, kindly go around from the edges, as they will be warm enough to touch and by the time you come to the middle, it should be cool enough. Hasty things, waste things:) Aaaha, there you go, now our king got ‘enlightened’ he realized that each time he attacked the capital cities of the neighboring countries (were there are strong armies stationed) and therefore lost his battles, …he felt that he should have attacked small villages from the fringes and gathered strength before he waged war against big countries!!! Thus, this story was so helpful to him and…later he won many wars and became a mighty king:):)

Now, are you wondering why am telling you all this story?? I dunno’ no great significance in my life though’…however, I just recall this one’ whenever I make Pongal and Gothsu, hehe:) And also each time like a curse’ I cut my fingers…this time I blame eggplants, they were too waxy!!

Ingredients:

• Eggplants 5-7 thinly sliced
• Green chilies 3 sliced
• Red chilies (dry/fresh) 2 sliced
• Garlic 5 cloves – sliced
• Onion 1 large sliced
• Tomatoes 2-3 crushed
• Salt
• Turmeric 1 pinch
• Curry leaves
• Cilantro
• Mustard 1/4 spoon
• Cumin seeds 1/4 spoon
• Asafoetida 1 pinch
• Oil few spoons.

Method:

Heat oil and add the tempering spices, followed by chilies, garlic and onions. Fry real good.  Further add salt, and turmeric. Then followed by eggplants and crushed tomatoes.  Cover and cook till tender, do not add any water, let the eggplants get cooked with tomato juice.  Once the oil separates and eggplants are done soft, add cilantro leaves and remove from heat.  Serve to go with Pongal dish.