Gutti Vankaya Kura Recipe

Gutti Vankaya Kura is a classic Andhra dish made with small brinjals (eggplants) that are stuffed with a flavorful spice mix and cooked until tender. It's a rich and aromatic dish that's full of traditional South Indian flavors. Here's how you can make Gutti Vankaya Kura:

**Ingredients:**

For the Stuffed Brinjals:

- 10-12 small brinjals (eggplants)

- 2 tablespoons roasted chana dal (split chickpeas)

- 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut

- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- A pinch of turmeric powder

- Salt to taste

- 2 tablespoons oil

For the Curry Base:

- 2 onions, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 tablespoons oil

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

- A few curry leaves

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- Salt to taste

- Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

**Instructions:**

**Preparing the Stuffed Brinjals:**

1. **Preparing the Spice Mix:**

   - In a grinder, combine roasted chana dal, desiccated coconut, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Grind them into a coarse powder. This is your stuffing mixture.

2. **Stuffing the Brinjals:**

   - Wash and pat dry the brinjals. Make two intersecting cuts on the brinjals, without cutting them into halves. Stuff the spice mixture into these cuts.

**Cooking the Curry:**

1. **Tempering:**

   - Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves.

2. **Aromatics and Spices:**

   - Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

   - Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell disappears.

3. **Tomatoes and Spices:**

   - Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.

4. **Curry Base:**

   - Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated.

5. **Cooking the Stuffed Brinjals:**

   - Place the stuffed brinjals in the curry base. Gently coat them with the masala. Cover the pan and cook on low heat until the brinjals are cooked through and tender.

6. **Finishing Touch:**

   - Once the brinjals are cooked, sprinkle chopped coriander leaves for garnishing.

**Serve:**

Serve Gutti Vankaya Kura with steamed rice, roti, or naan. It's a delightful and flavorful dish that's a treat for the taste buds.

**Note:** You can adjust the quantity of red chili powder and spices according to your spice preference.

Enjoy the authentic flavors of Gutti Vankaya Kura, a beloved Andhra dish!