Vangibhath (Brinjal rice)

It's a nice treat when you have invited family/friends over for lunch. Varieties of bhaths can be prepared using the same masala - Vangibhath powder. Add capsicums to this and you have the variety as Capsicum & Brinjal bhath. For these bhaths we first prepare the base & then mix with rice.

Ingredients:
2 cups rice - cooked/steamed
2-3 brinjals - washed & cut to long pieces
1/4 cup peanuts or cashew nuts
1 tbsp chana dal
1 tbsp urad dal
1/2 tsp mustard
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
3-4 tbsp Vangibhath powder
1/4 cup curry leaves - chopped
Salt
3 tbsp oil
1/2 cup dry coconut (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice/tamarind juice (optional)

Preparation:

• Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds & let it splutter.
• Add chana dal, urad dal, peanuts/cashew nuts & fry them till golden brown.
• Add turmeric powder, curry leaves & sauté.
• Add brinjal, salt; mix well & allow it cook for a few minutes.
• When brinjal starts to soften, add Vangibhath powder, coconut and lemon/tamarind juice & allow it to cook for 4-5 minutes.
• Mix the base with hot rice.

Serve with a Raitha.

A quick & usual Raitha to prepare:

Ingredients:
2 cups curd
1 onion - chopped
1 tomato - chopped
1-2 green chillies - julienned
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard
salt

Preparation:

• Add salt to curd & beat.
• Heat oil, add mustard seeds & let it splutter.
• Add green chillies & saute.
• Add chopped onions, tomatoes, the seasoning of mustard seeds & chillies to curd. Mix well.