South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Uma Raghupathi · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 25 Comments

Jump to Recipe Card

If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, chances are you've had your fair share of eggplant recipes.

From the popular bagara baingan to the spicy baingan bharta, there's no shortage of delicious recipes featuring this versatile vegetable.

this recipe
Jump to:
  • The Origin of South Indian Eggplant Curry
  • Why I Love this
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Top Tip
  • Storage
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Why Is This Unique From Other South Indian Brinjal Curry?
  • Related Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Comments

But I bet you have not tried this South Indian version of eggplant curry!

This unique twist on a traditional dish is a must-try for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons.

With the intensely spiced indian curry sauce and fantastic flavor, this vegan curry is a delicious alternative to several other eggplant curry recipes.

The Origin of South Indian Eggplant Curry

Like most South Indian dishes, this recipe has its origin in Karnataka.

Known as "Pathrode Masala Palya" in the local dialect (Mangalore), it's a staple in many households and is often prepared for special occasions.

I first learned this recipe from my mother-in-law, who also hails from Karnataka. Her version of the dish has been passed down through generations and is now a family favorite in my household.

Why I Love this

  • Combining roasted eggplant and coconut masala gives it a unique, authentic flavor.
  • Unlike other eggplant curries that use onion and tomato as the base, this recipe uses a coconut base, which adds a delicious, creamy texture to the dish.
  • It's easy to make and goes well with rice, rasam, and dal recipes. It's also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
  • This recipe is from my native place, Mangalore, and holds a special place in my heart.
  • It's the best way to taste golden brown eggplant without any deep frying.

Ingredients

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (2)
  • Baby Eggplants
  • Grated Coconuts
  • Whole spices: Coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds
  • Red chilies: Go for less spicy and give you a bright red color. (Byadagi)
  • Tamarind
  • Jaggery
  • Turmeric powder

See the recipe card for a list of ingredients and quantities, plus recipe instructions. You can find the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Instructions

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (3)

Wash the brinjal, chop it lengthwise, place the eggplant pieces in a large water bowl for about 10 minutes, and drain the water.

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (4)

Drizzle coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. When the oil heats up, add the drained brinjal slices in a single layer, and saute them for 2-3 minutes.

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (5)

Add turmeric powder, tamarind pulp water(soak the lemon-sized tamarind in the water for 10 minutes), jaggery, and salt and continue to saute them for two more minutes and cover with a lid.

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (6)

Meanwhile, blend the grated coconut with coriander seeds, cumin, rice, and red chilies with ¾ cup water to a fine consistency.

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (7)
South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (8)

Add the ground masala base to the sauteed Brinjal and cook for 10 minutes on low flame.

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (9)

Stir in between.

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (10)

Prepare tempering: Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal, one red chili halved, and fresh curry leaves.

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (11)

Once they start spluttering, pour this tempering over the cooked eggplant.

Serve brinjal fry hot with steamed rice or roti for a delicious South Indian meal!

Top Tip

  • Make sure to use fresh coconut for the best flavor. You can also use frozen grated coconut if fresh is not available.
  • Adjust the number of red chilies according to your spice preference. If the dish turns out too spicy, add a teaspoon of lemon juice
  • Allow the brinjal to soak in water before cooking to reduce its bitter taste.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking and better flavors.
  • Its important to use coconut oil to get the authentic flavor.

Storage

This brinjal curry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.

Serving Suggestions

The South Indian eggplant curry pairs well with steamed rice, rasam, and dal recipes. You can also serve it as a side dish for roti or any Indian bread.

And also, pair it with basmati rice, Tambuli, Avial, or "Majjige huli."

Why Is This Unique From Other South Indian Brinjal Curry?

  • What sets this curry apart from other South Indian eggplant curries is its use of coconut as the base.
  • This differs from other eggplant masala curries that use garam masala, onion, and tomato.
  • This brinjal curry has no need for sesame seeds and sesame oil.
South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (12)
  • Indian Eggplant Masala Curry Recipe
  • Aloo Baingan (Eggplant Potato Curry)
  • Instant Pot Eggplant Curry
  • Brinjal Sambar Recipe (Instant Pot)
  • Bengali Mixed Vegetable Curry (Shukto Recipe)
  • Ridge Gourd Curry (Beerakaya Kura)
  • Aloo Gobi In Instant Pot
  • Beetroot Leaves Dal (Indian Beet Greens Recipe)

Just subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious vegan recipes such as this sent directly to your inbox.

Did you love this recipe? Rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!
And let me know in the comments what you loved about it.

Follow me on social media Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

📖 Recipe

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (17)

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe)

Uma Raghupathi

Elevate your taste buds with this traditional South Indian brinjal curry, made with roasted eggplant and a flavorful coconut masala. A must-try for any curry lover!

5 from 15 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:22 minutes mins

Total Time:32 minutes mins

Course :Side Dish

Cuisine :Indian

Diet :Vegan

Allergen :Dairy free, Gluten free

Difficulty :Easy

Servings 4

Calories 308 kcal

Process Shot

Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Wash the brinjal, chop it lengthwise, place the eggplant pieces in a large water bowl for about 10 minutes, and drain the water.

    8-10 baby eggplants

  • Drizzle coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. When the oil heats up, add the drained brinjal slices in a single layer, and saute them for 2-3 minutes.

    2 tablespoon coconut oil

  • Add turmeric powder, tamarind pulp water(soak the lemon-sized tamarind in the water for 10 minutes), jaggery, and salt and continue to saute them for two more minutes and cover with a lid.

    1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon tamarind, 1 tablespoon grated jaggery, Salt to taste

  • Meanwhile, blend the grated coconut with coriander seeds, cumin, rice, and red chilies with ¾ cup water to a fine consistency.

    ½ cup grated coconut, 2 tablespoon coriander seeds, 2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon rice, 5-6 red chilies

  • Add the ground masala base to the sauteed Brinjal and cook for 10 minutes on low flame.

  • Prepare tempering: Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, urad dal, one red chili halved, and fresh curry leaves. Once they start spluttering, pour this tempering over the cooked eggplant.

    1 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon split black gram, 5 curry leaves

  • Serve brinjal fry hot with steamed rice or roti for a delicious South Indian meal!

Notes

  • Make sure to use fresh coconut for the best flavor. You can also use frozen grated coconut if fresh is not available.
  • Adjust the number of red chilies according to your spice preference. If the dish turns out too spicy, add a teaspoon of lemon juice
  • Allow the brinjal to soak in water before cooking to reduce its bitter taste.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking and better flavors.
  • Its important to use coconut oil to get the authentic flavor.

YOUR OWN NOTES

Click here to add your own private notes.

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 1376mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 705IU | Vitamin C: 117mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional information is an estimation only.

Tried this recipe?Mention @simplesumptuouscooking or tag #simplesumptuouscooking!

More Related Recipes

  • Indian Kohlrabi Curry Recipe
  • Instant Pot Vegan Dal Makhani (Madras Lentils)
  • Easy Chickpea And Lentil Curry With Coconut Milk
  • Vegan Potato Curry Recipe (Instant Pot)

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Swathi

    This Brinjal masala curry looks delicious. I am going to give it a try. I love brinjal and looking forward for try to new curries.South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (22)

  2. Jo

    I'm a brinjal hater to lover convert. And now I can't have enough of brinjal. This brinjal curry with jolada rotti is my absolute favoriteSouth Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (23)

    Reply

  3. Mahy Elamin

    I've always wanted to make an Eggplant Curry, but fetl intimidated. Your recipe look super delicious and easy to follow, I'll make it for sure!South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (24)

    Reply

  4. Annie

    Yum! This looks delicious. Cannot wait to try it!

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Thank you!

      Reply

  5. veggiesdontbite

    Looks like a colorful and flavorful dish!

    Reply

  6. Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy

    Yummy Uma!!! You probably know I LOVE these flavors...your masala spice mix sounds delicious! Great photographs!

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Thank you Anjali:) I am glad that you liked it!

      Reply

  7. The Vegan 8

    I love curry! This has so much flavor and so much deliciousness going on. I could use a whole bowl right now!

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Thank you! I am glad that you liked it:)

      Reply

  8. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day

    Looks delicious! I need to buy some eggplant.

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Thank you Amy !

      Reply

  9. Linda and Alex @ Veganosity

    I always love the spices in Indian food. I don't think there is anything quite as flavorful. This looks delicious.

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Thank you Linda:)

      Reply

  10. Aimee | Wallflower Kitchen

    Love aubergine! And I basically live on spicy curries during the winter, looks delicious 🙂

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Thank you Aimee! For me winter= spicy;)

      Reply

  11. nicoleanndawson

    Your post reminded me that its been too long since I've had good Indian Food! I'll have to try making this soon.

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Thanks:) let me know how it turns out!

      Reply

  12. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health

    eggplants are my fav but i dont know how to prepare them..esp this masala version sounds sooo good.

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Thank you Dixya!

      Reply

      • Archana

        Eggplant I make often but never like my pics so given up on it. Love the curry need only some jowar rotis with it. Yummm...South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (25)

  13. Kelly Page (@TastingPage)

    This looks like a perfect dish to keep you warm as the temperatures drop!

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      It's good for all seasons:) Thank you!

      Reply

  14. Strength and Sunshine

    Love anything with eggplant!

    Reply

    • Uma Raghupathi

      Me too:)

      Reply

South Indian Eggplant Curry (Brinjal Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What are the major ingredients of brinjal curry? ›

The major ingredients of Brinjal curry recipe are Brinjal, garlic cloves, onion, tamarind water, Thai green curry paste (if you want to make a Thai version),garam masala powder, oil, water, and salt.

Is it baingan or brinjal? ›

Brinjal (baingan), also known by its scientific name Solanum melongena, belongs to the plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae. It is predominantly grown in the state of West Bengal, followed by Maharashtra and Bihar. The plant can grow up to 5 feet in height and has coarse leaves and spiny stems.

What is the secret ingredient in Indian curry? ›

TURMERIC. That is the go to spice in any South Indian kitchen to enhance a dish.

Is brinjal curry healthy? ›

It may help with blood circulation in the heart due to its essential components such as bioactive compounds, potassium, fibre and vitamin B6. Brinjal contains different vital minerals such as copper, manganese, potassium and magnesium that might help with bone health.

Why is Brinjal curry bitter? ›

The longer they sit in the supermarkets or in fridge, they are more likely to taste bitter. Choose small to medium sized young eggplants as they have lesser seeds. If you still find seeds, remove them as they store the bitter taste in them.

What do Americans call brinjal? ›

Eggplant (US, CA, AU, NZ, PH), aubergine (UK, IE), brinjal (IN, SG, MY, ZA), or baigan (IN, GY) is a plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Solanum melongena is grown worldwide for its edible fruit.

In which country brinjal is called eggplant? ›

The term 'eggplant' to brinjal has been mainly given by the Europeans. As said above, white varieties are common among European countries. The Europeans were the ones who named brinjal 'eggplant'. Back in the 1700s, the Europeans observed these white varieties of brinjals which resembled eggs of goose/chicken.

Why is brinjal called non veg? ›

Brinjal is commonly classified as a vegetable, however, it is actually a fruit. Brinjal is actually a fruit that grows from flowers. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is classified as a berry botanically. It has a lot of little, edible seeds.

What is the major ingredient of brinjal curry? ›

Chickpea and Brinjal Curry Recipe is a flavorful dish that has just everything in one curry. The curry consist of chickpeas, brinjals, that are stewed in rich coconut milk along with whole spice like cloves, cinnamon and fennel seeds. We use some traditional spices to makes this recipe more delicious and tastiest.

Why do you soak eggplant in milk? ›

Soak eggplant slices or cubes in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. The milk not only tempers the bitterness, but it actually makes for eggplant that is extra creamy, since the vegetable acts like a sponge and soaks up a good amount of milk in its flesh.

What is the main ingredient in curry? ›

The most common ingredient in curry dishes is garlic. Onion, cilantro, tomatoes, vegetable oil, fresh ginger root, white sugar, coconut milk and chicken stock are also common ingredients in curry recipes. For herbs and spices, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and cayenne pepper are popular.

What is the key ingredient in many curry? ›

The most common curry ingredients may include cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, chili peppers, and tomatoes. Usually, curries are prepared with a protein too, such as chicken, lamb, beef, tofu, chickpeas, or lentils.

What is brinjals made of? ›

Eggplant (US, CA, AU, NZ, PH), aubergine (UK, IE), brinjal (IN, SG, MY, ZA), or baigan (IN, GY) is a plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Solanum melongena is grown worldwide for its edible fruit. L. Solanum trongum Poir.

What is the special feature of Brinjal? ›

Good for heart health: Brinjal is full of Vitamin B-6, fibre, potassium, and phytonutrients like flavonoids. These aid in keeping your blood pressure steady and lower your cholesterol. Prevents obesity: Brinjals are low in calories but high in nutrients.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 5547

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.