Theeyal

My friend Nithya from Nagarkoil makes this mouthwatering authentic dish and I love it very much when she makes it. “Ithu avunga ooru special”  yenakkum rombha pidukkum  . If I am bored of usual Sambhar, Rasam, I’ll make this recipe. This weekend I had Methi leaves & Green Brinjal, first thing came into my mind was Theeyal. 

Ingredients:           

Methi Leaves --------------------> 1 bunch, Washed and Chopped

Brinjal ----------------------------> 5 Chopped lengthwise

Tamarind ------------------------> Lemon sized, soaked in water                       

Salt-------------------------------> A2Y taste

                       

                       

                       

For Grinding:               

Coconut --------------------------> 1.5 Cup shredded

Small Onions --------------------> 5 Chopped

Corriander Seeds ---------------> 3 tsp

Peppercorns ---------------------> 2 tsp

Jeera -----------------------------> 1 tsp

Red Chillies ----------------------> 5                   

·         Dry roast all of the items above except onions                       

·         Grind everything to make a fine and smooth paste with water in mixie/food Processor                     

                       

For Seasoning:            

Coconut Oil ----------------------> 1 tsp

Mustard Seeds ------------------> ½ tsp

Curry leaves ---------------------> Few

Turmeric Powder ----------------> ½ tsp

Procedure:                  

·         In a Saute Pan, do the seasoning along with turmeric powder                       

·         Add Brinjal; fry for 5 minutes              

·         Add Methi leaves and fry for few minutes.                  

·         Extract the Tamarind pulp and add it to the sautéed veggies followed by coconut paste                  

·         Add salt to the mixture.                      

·         Once it starts boiling, simmer it;                    

·         Close with the lid until the Veggies are cooked.                     

·         Serve it with hot rice.              

                       

Theeyal is so spicy & tangy, I made Cauliflower Poriyal for Side dish. Hmm… it was really yummy. Thanks Nithya for sharing this recipe.                 

                       

Ideas:             

ü  Other substitutes of veggies are Bottle Gourd, Clustered Beans,  Yam, or just small onions.            

ü  When I make any dish with grinded mixture or paste, I add the paste first with very little water to the veggies; close it for few minutes. This way veggies are well mixed with the taste. Then I add Tamarind Pulp or water if necessary.