Brinjal Moju

Brinjal Moju Recipe - Authentic Sri Lankan Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Sri Lanka | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Brinjal Moju is a traditional Sri Lankan dish that features eggplant as the star ingredient. This tangy and flavorful dish is a popular side dish that pairs well with rice and curry.

History

Brinjal Moju has its origins in Sri Lankan cuisine, where it is a staple in many households. The dish is believed to have been influenced by the Dutch and Portuguese colonialists who introduced vinegar and other spices to the island.

Ingredients

450 g of eggplant
100 g of green bell peppers
150 g of shallots
2 garlic cloves
3 slices of ginger
250 ml of oil
50 ml of vinegar
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of turmeric
1 tsp of ground mustard seed
1 tsp of sugar

How to prepare

Slice the eggplant and green pepper lengthwise. Clean the shallots, crush the garlic, and shred the ginger.
Heat the oil and fry the eggplant slices until they are browned.
Remove the slices, drain them, and set them aside.
In the same oil, lightly fry the bell peppers, green pepper, and shallots. When they are soft, drain them and set them aside.
Pour off most of the oil and add garlic, ginger, vinegar, salt, turmeric, and mustard to the pan. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes.
Add the eggplant slices, green pepper, and shallots to the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Variations

Add dried red chilies for a spicier version of Brinjal Moju.
Substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the eggplant and green peppers evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should retain some crunch.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brinjal Moju as a side dish with rice and curry.

- It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the eggplant and vegetables adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use red bell peppers instead of green bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Brinjal Moju can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Brinjal Moju with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Brinjal Moju with traditional Sri Lankan dishes like chicken curry or dhal curry.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Brinjal Moju in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Brinjal Moju is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens.

Summary

Brinjal Moju is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Brinjal Moju is a delicious and tangy dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy this traditional Sri Lankan recipe with your favorite curry for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Amala in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was hit with the irresistible aroma of spices and cooking vegetables. Amala was busy chopping up fresh brinjal (eggplant) and I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

"Oh, this is one of my favorite dishes - Brinjal Moju!" she exclaimed with a smile. "It's a traditional Sri Lankan dish that my grandmother used to make. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I was intrigued and eager to learn, so I eagerly nodded my head. Amala handed me a notepad and a pen, and began to dictate the recipe to me. As she spoke, I scribbled down every detail, from the list of ingredients to the step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and cook the dish.

After a few hours of cooking and simmering, the Brinjal Moju was finally ready. The sweet and tangy aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I took a bite of the dish and was blown away by the explosion of flavors - the sweetness of the brinjal paired perfectly with the tanginess of the vinegar and the heat of the spices. It was a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

From that day on, Brinjal Moju became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy weekends. Each time I cooked it, I felt a sense of connection to my friend Amala and her grandmother, as if their love and passion for cooking had been passed down to me through this recipe.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the dish, tweaking the ingredients and experimenting with different cooking techniques. I would often invite friends and family over to taste my latest creation, and they would always rave about how delicious it was.

One day, as I was cooking Brinjal Moju for a dinner party, my granddaughter walked into the kitchen and asked me what I was making. I smiled and told her all about the dish - how I learned it from my friend Amala, who learned it from her grandmother, and how it had become a cherished recipe in our family.

My granddaughter's eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement. She asked if she could help me cook, and I gladly welcomed her into the kitchen. Together, we chopped vegetables, measured spices, and stirred the pot as the Brinjal Moju simmered away on the stove.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I watched with pride as my granddaughter took her first bite of the dish. Her face lit up with delight, and she exclaimed, "This is amazing, Grandma! I want to learn how to make this too!"

And so, the tradition continued. I passed down the recipe for Brinjal Moju to my granddaughter, just as it had been passed down to me. I knew that this dish would not only feed our bodies, but also nourish our souls with memories of friendship, family, and the love that goes into every homemade meal.

As I sat at the table, surrounded by my loved ones, I felt grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious food with those I care about. And as we savored every bite of the Brinjal Moju, I knew that this recipe would continue to bring us together for generations to come.