We are starting the last week of blogging marathon today and my theme for this week is ‘Dips, Chutneys and Spreads’. First up is one of my absolute favorite chutneys and yes, it is made with eggplant (my favorite veggie, if you didn’t know that already). It is my mom’s Vankaya Tomato Pachadi. My mom makes this chutney with big baby eggplants (does that even make any sense???). Italian eggplants are probably the closest to the ones we get back home. But I made today’s chutney with long, slender Japanese eggplant and it turned out great.Most of the South Indian chutneys my mom makes are pretty straight forward. Saute some lentils (chana dal and urad dal), dry red chilies until golden, set aside. Adding dal makes the chutney thick and gives it some body. Mustard or cumin seeds can also be added for added taste. Next the veggie of choice (eggplant, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, tomato etc) is cooked until tender. Finally everything is ground together along with tamarind paste and salt. Additional add ins like peanuts, garlic, ginger etc., can also be added for extra taste.This eggplant chutney is great to serve with some steamed rice or upma or idli or dosa or roti. Basically it’s something I like to keep in the fridge for a few days, so I have something to tasty for just about anything I make.
Lets check out what my fellow marathoners have cooked today for BM# 72.
