Bharelu Shak (Stuffed Brinjals with Potatoes)

My dear Jagufoi sent me this mouthwatering recipe few days back along with photos. She took the pictures specially for this blog :). Nisarg is not a great fan of brinjals but when he saw the photos sent by her, he really wanted me to try it! I was planning to use onions too, but Nisarg wanted it just as Jagufoi made it :).

So, I made this yesterday with rotis and it turned out fantastic! 

Ingredients:

11-12 small brinjals

4 small potatoes 

For stuffing:

1/2 cup chickpea flour (besan)

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup peanuts (coarsely ground)

1 tbsp ginger-chili paste

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1/2 tsp garam masala powder

1 tbsp cumin-coriander powder

1 tbsp aam-churan ( I didn't have this so I used 1 tsp tamarind paste)

1 1/2 tsp sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt + more if needed

2 tsp oil 

For Tadka:

1 tsp oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp asafoetida

Method:

• Wash and dry the brinjals and remove the stem. Slit them vertically and horizontally like a cross sign, without breaking them into halves.
• In a bowl, mix all the ingredients needed for the stuffing. Stuff it into the brinjal slits. Keep the remaining mix for the potatoes.
• Put the brinjals into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 5 minutes. Turn the brinjals and heat again for 3-4 more minutes.
• Put the sliced potatoes in the microwave with little amount of water and cook for 3-4 minutes. When they are almost done, mix with remaining masala and heat until done-about 2-3 minutes.
• Put cooked brinjals and potatoes in a big bowl. Add tadka on top and mix gently. 
• Serve hot with rotis.

Enjoy!!!