Kathirikkai Mochai Kuzhambu | Brinjal Mochai Kuzhambu

Val Beans is also Known as Lima beans, butter beans, field beans. It is referred to as Mochai in Tamil. Val beans are rich in essential vitamins and various minerals. It is rich in protein and fibers. Mochai and Brinjal (Egg plant) Kuzhambu is a spicy tangy gravy prepared as a side dish to Rice. My mom prepares this Brinjal Mochai Kuzhambu for Pongal Festival. Please check below for step by step instructions and pictures for preparing South Indian Kathirikkai Mochai Kuzhambu | Brinjal Mochai Kuzhambu.





Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Yields: 3 Servings

Ingredients: 
Table 1: To Grind

Oil	2 tsp
Cumin seeds | Seeragam	1 tsp
Chana dal | Kadalai paruppu	1 tsp
Urad dal | Ulutham paruppu	1 tsp
Curry leaves	3 to 5
Red Chillies	3
Coriander seeds | Dhaniya	2 tsp
Shallots chopped	1/2 Cup
Tomato chopped	1/2 Cup
Turmeric powder	1/4 tsp
Coriander powder	1 tsp
Salt	As needed
Shredded coconut	2 tbsp
Coriander leaves	2 stalks

Table 2:

Gingelly Oil	2 tbsp
Mustard	1/4 tsp
Curry leaves	4 to 6
Onions chopped	1/4 Cup
Cooked Val beans | Mochai	1/2 Cup
Brinjal | Eggplant	2
Tamarind	Half lemon size
Salt	As needed

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal and coriander seeds. Fry till chana dal turns golden color. Add red chillies and curry leaves. Fry for a min. Add shallots and fry till they turn translucent.

•  Add tomatoes and fry till they turn mushy. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder and salt. Fry for a min. Switch off the stove. 

• Add shredded coconut and coriander leaves. Allow it to cool. Grind it into smooth paste by adding enough water in blender. Soak tamarind in hot water. Filter tamarind juice. Discard seeds and fibers.

• Heat gingelly oil in a pan. Add mustard and curry leaves. Allow mustard to splutter. Add onions and fry till they turn translucent.

•  Add cooked val beans and brinjal. Fry in medium flame till brinjal is cooked. Add ground paste ( got from ingredients in table 1), 1/2 Cup water, salt  and tamarind juice. Allow the gravy to boil. Simmer for 10 mins to allow gravy to thicken.

Kathirikkai Mochai Kuzhambu | Brinjal Mochai Kuzhambu

Tips:
Salt is added 2 times in kuzhambu. So adjust it accordingly.
Adjust red chillies to your taste.