Kathirika Kadalai Kootu~Eggplant Garbanzo Kootu

Ingredients for making Kathirikai Kondakadalai Kootu ( Brinjal/Eggplant and Garbanzo/Chickpeas Kootu):

• 1 cup - Garbanzo beans (canned or pre-soaked in water for 3 hrs)
• 1 cup brinjal, 3 to 4 (cut in to small pieces)
• Sambar powder - 1 Teaspoon
• Tamarind Paste - 1 Teaspoon or a small lemon sized tamarind
• Turmeric Powder - a small pinch
• Red Chili powder - a small pinch (according to spiciness)
• Red Gram Dal - 1/2 cup (cooked)
• Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Split Black Gram Dal - 1 Teaspoon
• Red Chili - 1
• Salt - according to taste
• Cooking Oil - 1 teaspoon

Method for making Kathirikai Kondaikadalai Kootu:

Step 1: Cook the Garbanzo Beans and Red Gram Dal for 15 minutes or until cooked. Let it cool - keep it aside.( i normally pressure cook both of them together for 2 whistles - approx., 15 minutes)

Step 2: Wash and cut the Brinjals/Eggplants in to small pieces and keep it immersed in water if u are not planning to cook them immediately (preventing it from turning out black in color)

Step 3: Pre-heat a deep pan with 1 teaspoon of cooking oil ,add mustard seeds, red chili, black gram Dal, curry leaves, cut eggplant/brinjals and stir it for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Turmeric Powder, Chili Powder, Sambar Powder and stir nicely till nice aroma comes out...

Step 5: Add the tamarind paste with 2 cups of water and salt ,stir in nicely.

Step 6: Let it boil till raw smell of tamarind goes and the eggplant cooks...out .

Step 7: Add the cooked Garbanzo Beans, Red Gram Dal and mix nicely adjust by adding water ...according to the desired quantity.

Step 8: Let everything boil nicely... approx.. 5 minutes in reduced heat.

Can garnish this with kootu vadam and Cilantro (kothamali leaves)

Remove and let it cool..ready to serve...

This is a great side dish for Steamed White rice....or can eat this just as is...(healthy)

I served this dish with steamed white rice with little clarrified butter, Pappad, Simple Oni0n Pachadi...