Brinjal Rice

Ingredients:

1. Rice - 2 cups
2. Brinjals (small) - 8
3. Onion - 1
4. Capsicum (optional) - 1/2 cup
5. Mustard - 1 tsp
6. Jeera - a pinch
7. Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
8. Hing - a pinch
9. Curry leaves - 1 sprig
10. Coriander leaves chopped- a handful
11. Grated Coconut - 3 tblsp
12. Salt - as per taste
13. Ghee/ oil - 4 to 5 tblsp
    

Dry roast & powder:

1. Coriander seeds - 1 tblsp
2. Urad dal - 1 tblsp
3. Dry Red chillis - 4
4. Cumin - 1 1/2 tsp
5. Methi seeds - 1/2 tsp
6. Cinnamon - a small piece
7. Cloves - 4

Method:

1. Cook rice and keep aside to cool. Add few drops of oil during the cooking process to avoid lumps.

2. Slice brinjals and onion lengthwise. Immerse the brinjal slices in a bowl of salted water for a few minutes. This is done so they don't turn brown and it also helps in removing bitterness. Dice capsicum.

3. Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard, jeera, hing. When they splutter add the sliced onions, curry leaves and capsicum. Saute for a minute and then add the sliced brinjals, turmeric powder and salt. Saute till the brinjals are well cooked. Add the powdered spices and mix well.

4. Add the cooked rice, coconut and coriander leaves. Mix thoroughly.

***The amount of spices can be increased according to personal preference. Also, if you like it tangy add few drops of lemon juice while adding coconut.