Gutti Vanakaya Fry (Stuffed Brinjal Fry): A Flavorful South Indian Delicacy

If you love bold, flavorful dishes with a perfect balance of spices, Gutti Vanakaya Fry (Stuffed Brinjal Fry) is the recipe for you! This South Indian classic features tender brinjals stuffed with a spicy, aromatic filling and fried to crispy perfection. It’s a perfect accompaniment to rice or roti and is sure to steal the spotlight at your next meal.

Ingredients:

• Small Brinjals (Eggplants) – 8-10 (preferably the round or long variety)
• Oil – 3 tablespoons (for frying)
• Tamarind pulp – 1 tablespoon
• Salt – To taste
• Water – 1/4 cup (to adjust consistency)

For the Stuffing:

• Roasted peanuts – 2 tablespoons
• Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon
• Chana dal (split chickpeas) – 1 tablespoon
• Red dry chilies – 2-3 (adjust to spice preference)
• Coriander seeds – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Fennel seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1/2 teaspoon
• Grated coconut – 2 tablespoons (optional but adds great flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

1. In a pan, dry roast the roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, chana dal, red dry chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds for a couple of minutes until they become fragrant.
2. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, and then grind it into a coarse powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle.
3. Once ground, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, ginger-garlic paste, and grated coconut to the mixture. Mix everything well to form a thick, flavorful stuffing.

Step 2: Prepare the Brinjals

1. Wash the small brinjals thoroughly and trim the stems, keeping them intact. Make a cross-shaped slit at the bottom of each brinjal, making sure not to cut them all the way through, as they need to hold the stuffing.
2. Stuff each brinjal carefully with the prepared stuffing mixture. Be generous with the stuffing, making sure to pack it well inside the slits.

Step 3: Cook the Stuffed Brinjals

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan or kadai over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed brinjals to the pan, ensuring they don’t overlap. Fry the brinjals gently, turning them occasionally to make sure they cook evenly on all sides and become golden brown.
3. After the brinjals are browned, add 1/4 cup of water to the pan along with 1 tablespoon of tamarind pulp. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover the pan and let the brinjals cook for about 10-12 minutes on low heat, allowing them to soften and absorb all the flavors.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once the brinjals are tender and the stuffing is aromatic, remove them from the pan. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or chapati.

Tips:

• Filling Variations: You can also add ground peanuts, grated coconut, or even jaggery for a touch of sweetness to the stuffing.
• For Extra Crispiness: You can shallow fry the stuffed brinjals for a crispier texture.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of dry red chilies based on your heat tolerance.

Gutti Vanakaya Fry (Stuffed Brinjal Fry) is an aromatic, spicy, and filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of stuffed brinjals and fragrant spices makes this dish irresistible, and it pairs beautifully with rice or roti. If you’ve never tried this South Indian delight before, now’s the time! Give this recipe a try, and experience a burst of flavors with every bite!