Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/12 checked
4
servings
1 tsp

White Urad Dal (Split)

3 unit

Dry Red Chillies

30 g

Tamarind

soaked in 1 cup hot water

1 tsp

Salt

2 tbsp

Sunflower Oil

for cooking

1 tsp

Red Chilli powder

1 tsp

Mustard seeds

1 tsp

Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal)

2 sprigs

Curry leaves

1 tsp

Turmeric powder (Haldi)

1 unit

Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant)

chopped

1 tsp

Whole Black Peppercorns

Step 1
~5 min

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.

Step 2
~5 min

Temper mustard seeds and curry leaves until they splutter.

Step 3
~5 min

Add dry red chillies, urad dal, chana dal, and peppercorns.

Step 4
~5 min

Saute until light brown.

Step 5
~5 min

Add chopped brinjal and saute until brown and mushy.

Step 6
~5 min

Season with salt, turmeric, and red chilli powder.

Step 7
~5 min

Cook until the raw smell of the spices disappears.

Step 8
~5 min

Add soaked tamarind water.

Step 9
~5 min

Wait until the brinjal absorbs all the water.

Step 10
~5 min

Let it cool.

Step 11
~5 min

Blend into a smooth paste using a hand blender, adding a little water if needed.

Step 12
~5 min

Serve with lunch.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Adjust the number of red chillies according to your spice preference.

Soak the tamarind in hot water for at least 30 minutes for easier extraction.

For a smoother chutney, strain the tamarind water before adding it to the pan.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

10 mins

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice and sambar.

Serve with idli or dosa.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Sambar
Rasam
Curd Rice

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

South India

Cultural Significance

A common accompaniment to South Indian meals.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Popularity Score

60/100

More South Indian Lunch Recipes

Discover more delicious South Indian Lunch recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

South Indian
Hard
A

Chennai Lamb Curry

4.4
(1216 reviews)

A flavorful and aromatic South Indian lamb curry with a rich blend of spices and tender lamb.

65 min
450 cal
Non-Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (verify ingredients)
65%
70
South Indian
Medium
A-

Prawns Kuzhambu - Tangy South Indian Prawn Curry

4.0
(1430 reviews)

A flavorful South Indian prawn curry featuring tangy tamarind and creamy coconut gravy. This Prawns Kuzhambu is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for a weekend meal.

35 min
350 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
60%
75
South Indian
Medium
A+

Baby Mango Pickle

4.1
(426 reviews)

A traditional South Indian pickle made with tender, small raw mangoes, red chili powder, mustard seeds, and rock salt. This Vadu Mangai Pickle is a flavorful and tangy side dish that perfectly complements curd rice.

75 min
150 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
60%
75
South Indian
Medium
A

Mulakootal (Vegetables in Coconut Gravy)

4.3
(1642 reviews)

A traditional South Indian recipe featuring mixed vegetables simmered in a creamy coconut gravy with lentils and aromatic spices.

45 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
70%
65
South Indian
Easy
A

Vendakkai Poriyal (South Indian Okra Stir Fry)

4.2
(1709 reviews)

A classic South Indian okra stir-fry (Vendakkai Poriyal) spiced with sambar powder, offering a flavorful and simple vegetable side dish.

50 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
80%
65
South Indian
Medium
C+

Ingi Mangai Sadam (Ginger Mango Rice)

4.5
(1789 reviews)

A flavorful South Indian rice dish made with raw mango, ginger, and aromatic spices. Perfect for lunch or a light meal.

40 min
450 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
75%
65
South Indian
Medium
A-

Vepampoo Kara Kuzhambu (Dried Neem Flower Gravy)

4.0
(868 reviews)

A traditional South Indian gravy made with dried neem flowers, tamarind, and spices. This Vepampoo Kara Kuzhambu is a unique and flavorful dish.

55 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
75%
65
South Indian
Easy
A-

Potlakaya Perugu Pachhadi (Curd & Snake Gourd Chutney)

4.2
(773 reviews)

A refreshing South Indian chutney made with snake gourd, yogurt, and coconut.

40 min
150 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
80%
65