Brinjal Coconut Masala

Ingredients:

• Brinjals - 5

• Onions - 1 (big) chopped

• Coconut grated - 3/4 cup

• Green Chillies - 4

• Ginger Garlic paste - 2 tsp

• Saunf - 1/2 tsp

• Cinnamon Stick - 1 small (optional)

• Cloves - 2 (optional)

• Turmeric powder - 1/2tsp

• Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp

• Curry Leaves - 4 or 5

• Salt to taste

• Oil - 3 tbsp

**Method: ** Remove the stalk of the brinjals, and slit halfway through the brinjals in 4 perpendicular directions.

In a pan, heat 1 tbsp oil and add the saunf, cloves, cinnamon, onions, green chillies and saute for a few minutes. Remove from heat allow to cool and then grind these together. Grind the grated coconut with some water separately and set aside.

In a pan, heat the oil, splutter the mustard seeds, add the brinjals and saute for a while till they become slightly soft on the outside. Then, add the ground onion-chillies mixture, then ginger garlic paste, curry leaves, salt, turmeric powder and a little water and cook till the brinjals are done. Then, add the ground coconut mixture and bring to a boil. Goes well with rice. Note: Can use black pepper in addition to green chillies for giving it a slightly different "hot" flavor.