Eggplant Fry | Brinjal Tawa fry | Kathirikai varuval
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BRINJAL CURRY
Eggplant Fry, also known as Brinjal Tawa Fry or Kathirikai Varuval, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful South Indian side dish made by marinating thin eggplant slices in a spiced besan mixture and pan‑frying them until crisp. This recipe uses no deep frying, just a drizzle of sesame oil, making it healthier while still giving you that perfect golden crust.
The combination of besan, rice flour, curd, ginger‑garlic paste, and aromatic spices creates a delicious coating that clings beautifully to the brinjal slices. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, this tawa fry is perfect for weekday meals and pairs wonderfully with sambar, rasam, curd rice, or even chapati.
Why should eggplant slices be soaked in salt water?
Soaking removes slight bitterness, prevents discoloration, and helps the slices stay firm while marinating.
What do besan and rice flour do in this recipe?
Besan adds flavor and helps the masala cling to the brinjal, while rice flour gives crispiness when pan‑fried.
Can I skip the curd in the marinade?
Curd adds tang and helps the masala coat evenly. If skipping, add a few drops of lemon juice or a splash of water.
Why add curry leaves to the marinade?
Curry leaves fry along with the brinjal, adding a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish.
How long should the brinjal marinate?
At least 20 minutes. Longer marination (up to 1 hour) enhances flavor and helps the coating stick better.
Can I air‑fry or bake the eggplant slices?
Yes. Air‑fry at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes or bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
Why use sesame oil for frying?
Sesame oil lends a traditional South Indian flavor and enhances the spices’ taste.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure the slices are not too wet after soaking. Pat dry lightly before mixing with the marinade.
Can I make this recipe without ginger‑garlic paste?
Yes. It will still taste great, but ginger‑garlic adds depth and balances the spices.
What does this brinjal fry pair well with?
It’s perfect with sambar rice, rasam rice, curd rice, lemon rice, or even chapati.
CAN I CUT BRINJAL INTO THOSE SLICES?
To ensure the marination absorbs well, always cut the brinjal into thin discs.
CAN I USE AUBERGINE/ BIG EGGPLANT?
Yes, you can use a big one or a smaller one.
IRON PAN FOR BRINJAL VARUVAL
For the perfect curry texture, I recommend an iron pan. Avoid overlapping
CAN I SKIP GINGER GARLIC PASTE?
Yes, they are optional
MASALA FOR BAIGAN TAWA FRY?
You can use any masala of your choice.
CAN I COOK BRINJAL CURRY ON A HIGH FLAME?
No, Slow cooking is key for the perfect tasty brinjal fry. I prefer keeping the flame between low- and medium. Whether it is a variety of rice or with rice accompaniments like kuzhambu, rasam, etc., brinjal curry tastes best.
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Ingredients
1 eggplant
Curry leaves
To marinate
2 tablespoons besan flour
1 tablespoon rice flour
A pinch of asafoetida
1 tablespoon Kashmiri chilli powder
2 tablespoon curd
1 tablespoon garam masala
Salt as needed
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
To fry
1 tablespoon sesame oil
How to make Brinjal Tawa Fry with step-by-step pictures
- ️ Thinly slice the eggplant and soak it in salt water for 5 minutes
- ️ Add all ingredients under “to marinate” into a wide bowl and mix well
- Furthermore, add the brinjal slices and curry leaves; mix well and rest for at least 20 minutes
- ️ Heat the oil and place the marinated eggplant slices in batches
- ️ Cook for about 1 minute on each side until roasted
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant
- Curry leaves
TO MARINATE
- 2 tablespoons besan flour
- 1 tablespoon rice flour
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chilli powder
- 2 tablespoon curd
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- Salt as needed
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
TO FRY
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Thinly slice the eggplant and soak it in salt water for 5 minutes
- ️ Add all ingredients under “to marinate” into a wide bowl and mix well
- Furthermore, add the brinjal slices and curry leaves; mix well and rest for at least 20 minutes
- ️ Heat the oil and place the marinated eggplant slices in batches
- ️ Cook for about 1 minute on each side until roasted
Video