Sweet Spicy Brinjal

Sweet spicy brinjal is one of my favorite dishes, especially when I'm feeling a bit homesick. Ever since I was a child, I've been eating this delicious dish that is both sweet and savory. It's a traditional dish that has been around for many generations, originating in India.

The traditional recipe for sweet spicy brinjal involves the use of spices such as cumin and coriander, as well as some ginger and garlic. The brinjal is then cooked in a sauce of tomatoes and onions, and finally, it's seasoned with salt and pepper. This combination of flavors gives the dish its unique taste.

I'm so happy that this traditional dish is still being enjoyed today. Whenever I make sweet spicy brinjal, it reminds me of the home cooking I used to enjoy as a child. It's a comforting dish that always leaves me feeling content.

Ingredients

- 1 large brinjal

- 2 tablespoons oil

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 2 green chillies, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

- 1 teaspoon grated ginger

- 2 tablespoons tomato puree

- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste

- 2 tablespoons jaggery or brown sugar

- Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Cut two brinjals into cubes and place them in a bowl.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix everything until the brinjal cubes are evenly coated. Spread the cubes onto a baking sheet and put it in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the brinjal cubes are lightly browned.
4. Once the brinjal cubes are done, take them out of the oven and place them in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
5. Mix everything until the brinjal cubes are evenly coated. For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.

Variations

1. Sweet and Spicy Brinjal Curry: This dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds! Start by frying some sliced brinjal in oil with a pinch of turmeric powder. Once the brinjal is cooked, add some chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and chili. Fry until the onion is golden. Then add a spoonful of tomato puree, a teaspoon of chili powder, a tablespoon of coriander powder, and some garam masala. Add some water and salt to taste. Simmer until the brinjal is cooked through, then add a handful of chopped coriander leaves. Serve this delicious sweet and spicy brinjal curry with rice or chapatis.

2. Sweet and Spicy Roasted Brinjal: This dish is a great side to any meal. Preheat the oven to 350F. Cut the brinjal into cubes and arrange them on a baking tray. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of chili powder. Roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the brinjal is cooked through. Meanwhile, mix a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of chili powder, and a pinch of cinnamon powder. Once the brinjal is cooked, brush the mixture over the top and return to the oven for a couple of minutes. Serve this sweet and spicy roasted brinjal as a side dish.

3. Sweet and Spicy Brinjal Bhaji: This is a delicious vegetarian curry that is sure to please. Begin by frying some chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and chili in oil. Once the onion is golden, add some chopped brinjal cubes, a teaspoon of chili powder, a tablespoon of coriander powder, and some garam masala. Fry until the brinjal is cooked, then add a few tablespoons of tomato puree, a tablespoon of honey, some water, and salt to taste. Simmer until the sauce has thickened before adding a handful of chopped coriander leaves. Serve this tasty sweet and spicy brinjal bhaji with chapatis or parathas.

4. Sweet and Spicy Stuffed Brinjal: This is a great way to use up leftover rice. Start by heating some oil in a pan and adding some finely chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and chili. Fry until the onion is golden and then add the cooked rice, a teaspoon of chili powder, and a tablespoon of coriander powder. Stir to combine and then stuff the brinjal with the mixture. Place the stuffed brinjal in a baking tray and bake in the oven at 350F for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix a tablespoon of honey, a pinch of cinnamon powder, and a tablespoon of tomato puree. Once the brinjal is cooked, brush the mixture over the top and return to the oven for a couple of minutes. Serve this sweet and spicy stuffed brinjal as a main dish.

5. Sweet and Spicy Fried Brinjal: This is a great vegan snack. Start by slicing the brinjal into thin rounds and then dipping them into some flour mixed with a pinch of salt. Heat some oil in a pan and fry the brinjal until golden. Drain on some kitchen paper. Meanwhile, mix a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of chili powder, and a pinch of cinnamon powder. Once the brinjal is cooked, brush the mixture over the top and fry for a couple of minutes. Serve this delicious sweet and spicy fried brinjal as an appetizer or snack.

Side Dishes That Go Perfectly Well

I would suggest a side of steamed jasmine rice. The subtle sweetness of the rice will help to balance out the spicy flavors of the brinjal.

For those who like a bit more of a kick in their meal, a side of stir-fried spicy kimchi is a great way to add some heat to the dish. The sourness of the kimchi will help to bring out the sweetness of the brinjal even more.

If you're looking for a cool contrast to counter the warmth of the brinjal, a refreshing cucumber salad is a perfect accompaniment. The crunchiness of the cucumbers will help to cut through the richness of the brinjal, leaving your palate feeling refreshed.

You can't go wrong with a bowl of miso soup. The hearty yet light flavors of the soup will help to round out the meal, giving it a full-bodied, comforting feel.

Finally, you can't go wrong with my Oyster Omelet recipe! That would be a fine addition to my recipe!

Overall, these dishes will help to make your dish even more delicious and enjoyable.

Storage

Storing sweet spicy brinjal can be a bit tricky as it’s sensitive to temperature, humidity, and air. To ensure that it stays as fresh as possible, here are a few tips on how to store sweet spicy brinjal:

1. Choose your sweet spicy brinjal carefully. Look for ones that are firm, unblemished and have a vibrant color. Avoid those that are soft, bruised or have a dull color.

2. Store sweet spicy brinjal in a cool and dark place. A pantry or cupboard is best as it keeps the brinjal away from direct sunlight.

3. If you plan to use the brinjal within a few days, you can store the brinjal in a paper bag. This will help to keep the air circulating and prevent moisture from building up.

4. If you need to store the brinjal for longer than a few days, it’s best to wrap them in plastic wrap or put them in an airtight container. This will help keep the brinjal from drying out.

5. It’s important to separate them from other produce. This will prevent them from absorbing the flavors and odors of other fruits and vegetables.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your dish stays fresh and flavorful for a longer period.

FAQ

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