Kathirikai Gostu | Traditional South Indian Brinjal Curry

“Rich, rustic, and full of soul — the true taste of Kathirikai Gostu.”

Kathirikai Gostu is a classic South Indian wedding breakfast dish featuring tender brinjal (eggplant) cooked in a tangy tamarind and spice-infused gravy with moong dal. This hearty curry pairs perfectly with rice upma or idli for an authentic, comforting meal.

📝 Ingredients

• ¼ cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
• 250-300g brinjal (eggplant), cut into large pieces
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 inch piece ginger, finely chopped
• Tamarind (gooseberry size), soaked in water
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 2-3 tbsp homemade curry powder
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
• Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as required

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the Dal:

1. Clean and wash moong dal thoroughly until water runs clear.
2. Cook dal with turmeric and enough water until soft (2-3 whistles or about 15-20 minutes).
3. Lightly mash the dal and set aside, reserving some cooking water for consistency.

Making the Gostu:

4. Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat.
5. Add mustard seeds; when they splutter, add urad dal and fry until golden.
6. Add hing, curry leaves, and ginger; saute for 30 seconds.
7. Add slit green chilies; saute for 1 minute.
8. Add chopped tomatoes; cook until soft (3-4 minutes).
9. Add large brinjal pieces; mix and cook for 2-3 minutes.
10. Add cooked moong dal; combine well.
11. Strain tamarind water and add to the curry.
12. Add curry powder and salt; mix well.
13. Adjust consistency with water and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
14. Add chopped coriander leaves, mix, and turn off heat after 1 minute.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Traditionally served with:
  • Rice Upma (classic pairing)
  • Plain steamed rice with ghee
  • Idli or dosa
  • Chapati or roti

💡 Tips for Perfect Results

• Cut brinjals into large pieces to avoid mushiness.
• Dal should be cooked but not completely mushy for texture.
• Use homemade curry powder for authentic flavor.
• Adjust tamarind quantity to control tanginess.
• Don’t overcook brinjals — they should hold shape but be tender.

🌿 About Curry Powder

Use a homemade South Indian curry powder made with:

• Coriander seeds
• chana dal
• Urad dal
• Red chilies
• Fenugreek seeds

🥗 Nutritional Benefits

• Moong dal: Protein, fiber, folate
• Brinjal: Dietary fiber, potassium, antioxidants
• Tomato: Vitamin C, lycopene
• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory properties

🧊 Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently, adding water if needed.
• Flavors improve after resting a few hours.

🎉 Cultural Significance

Kathirikai Gostu is a beloved dish at South Indian wedding breakfasts and festivals, especially popular in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, traditionally served alongside rice upma.

Video Tutorial

This recipe serves 4 people and brings the authentic, soulful taste of South Indian tradition right to your table!