Name: Brinjal Pulippu Kootu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup tuvar dal or split pigeon peas; 9 small round eggplants, (cut into a 1/2-inch dice); 2 tbsp freshly grated coconut, (you can use frozen, but thaw before use); 1/2 tsp turmeric; A generous pinch of asafetida or hing; 2 tsp mustard seeds; 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves; 1 tbsp tamarind extract. Or a 1-inch ball of tamarind pods, soaked in 1/2 cup of water for 30 minutes. Extract the tamarind pulp by crushing with fingers and discard the dry solids; 1 tsp vegetable oil; 2 sprigs curry leaves; 1/2 cup peanuts, (covered with water and microwaved for five minutes. Or you can bring them to a boil on the stovetop, lower heat, and let them cook 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.); For ground masala paste:; 1 tbsp coriander seeds; 1 tbsp udad dal or black gram dal; 1 tbsp chana dal or bengal gram dal; 2 tsp black peppercorns; 2 dry red chillies; 1/4 cup freshly grated coconut. You can use frozen but thaw first.; 1 tsp vegetable oil