Vaangi Bhaath or spiced brinjal rice is a speciality in many states mainly from Maharashtra but very famous down south in Karnataka and Tamilnadu ,

It features as one the most popular rice preparations and served in many functions too.

Am not an ardent fan of brinjals in any form , but having lived in Karnataka for many years , I have tasted it very frequently even served in some weddings . Reluctantly I relished the dish for its spicy taste and somehow brinjals seemed right for this dish.

Ingredients :

For vangi baath masala powder

2 tsp coriander seeds

2 tsp Chana dal

1 tsp black gram dal

1 bay leaf

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 red dry Kashmiri red chillies

2 cloves

Small piece of cinnamon

2 tsp sesame seeds

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

Pinch of asafoetida powder

4 -5 peppercorns

2 tbsp desiccated coconut powder / kopra

Other ingredients

1 cup basmati rice or a long grain

1 1/2 cups chopped brinjals

1/2 cup thinly sliced onions

1 small green chilly chopped

Salt to taste

Chopped coriander leaves

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp peanuts

8 Cashewnuts

Method.

1. Roast the vangi baath powder ingredients. Keep aside to cool and then grind to a powder and keep aside till required .

2. In a pan add some oil, cumin seeds , add some peanuts and Cashewnuts .

3. When they roast golden remove and keep aside . Now add the green chillies , sliced onions and sautée for few seconds.

4. Now add the chopped brinjal pieces , mix well, and add the roasted ground vaangi baath powder, add the roasted Cashewnuts and peanuts .

5. Add water enough to cook rice and brinjals . Usually for basmati rice with vegetables we can add for 1 cup rice plus vegetables , around 2 cups water . depending on the quality of rice you use .

6. Next after adding rice , salt, pinch of turmeric powder some chopped coriander leaves and cover and cook till rice is done .

7. Open the lid and stir gently to fluff out the rice with a fork.

8. Serve tasty aromatic vangi baath with any raita or papad.

9. This can be easily prepared in a rice cooker too .

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