*Wambatu Moju* is a Sri Lankan-style eggplant/brinjal pickle, often served as a side dish with rice and curry. It’s tangy, sweet, and spicy, combining flavors like vinegar, mustard, and sugar with fried eggplant. Here's a basic recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients:
2 medium-sized eggplants (brinjal), cut into small wedges or strips
1 onion, sliced
4–5 green chilies, sliced
2–3 cloves of garlic, sliced
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white)
1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp ground black pepper
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggplant
- Wash and cut the eggplant into wedges or strips. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and leave aside for 15 minutes. This helps to remove excess moisture and bitterness.
Pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel.
2. Fry the Eggplant
Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the eggplant until golden brown and crispy. Once done, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. Sauté Aromatics
In another pan, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté mustard seeds and fenugreek seeds until fragrant.
Add the sliced onions, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are softened.
4. Add SpicesAdd turmeric, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and sugar. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the vinegar and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
5. Combine Everything
Add the fried eggplant to the pan and toss everything together, making sure the eggplant is well-coated with the sauce.
Adjust the seasoning by adding more vinegar, sugar, or salt if needed.
6. Cool and Store
- Allow the Wambatu Moju to cool completely before transferring to a clean, dry jar. The flavors improve after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
This pickle can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and is a delicious accompaniment to rice, bread, or curry dishes. Enjoy!
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