Pigeon Peas and Aubergine Curry (Rengan Toovar nu Shaak)
Try this Pigeon Peas and Aubergine Curry (Rengan Toovar nu Shaak) recipe.
Try this Pigeon Peas and Aubergine Curry (Rengan Toovar nu Shaak) recipe.
- 1 tsp salt
- ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp tumeric
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp carom / ajwain seeds
- pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 300 g toovar (1 bag frozen)
- 1 aubergine cut into large cubes
- 1 - 2 tomatoes skinned and purã©ed or about 4 tbsp passat
- garlic ginger green chilli pulped.
- ingredients for vhaghar (flavouring the oil)
- 1 dry red chilli
- Carbohydrate 0.224238555555556 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.62780711841494 g
- Fiber 0.0428655562930637 g
- Protein 0.022053 g
- Saturated Fat 0.470339712056811 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (14g)
- Sodium 0.891911111111111 mg
- Sugar 0.181372999262492 g
- Trans Fat 0.176936111461622 g
- Calories 33 calories
Step-by-step
- Wash and boil the pigeon peas with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp turmeric till cooked through. Drain and set aside. (Approx 8 minutes)
- Cut aubergine and keep in cold water to avoid discoloration. (Adding a sprinkle of salt helps)
- Add oil to the pan and set on medium heat.
- Flavour the oil with mustard seeds and carom/ajwain seeds.
- When these crackle add the cubed aubergine, and sprinkle over the turmeric.
- Followed by 1/2 tsp salt, and toss/mix gently.
- Now add red chilli powder, green chilli, ginger, and pulped garlic.
- Gently mix and allow to cook through on medium to low heat. (Do not add water - steam will help cook aubergine through)
- Once aubergine is softened add pureed tomato.
- Mix gently to allow the sauce to bubble. (Taste and add sugar if required)
- Add coriander cumin powder.
- Garnish with chopped fresh coriander.
- Serve with piping hot Khadi and hot Chapattis.
A Taste of Home: My Simple Pigeon Pea and Aubergine Curry
The aroma alone is enough to transport me back to my childhood kitchen. The gentle sizzle of spices, the comforting warmth of the curry, the satisfying crunch of the perfectly cooked aubergine – it's a symphony of flavors that resonates deeply within me. This isn't just a recipe; it's a memory, a connection to my heritage, and a delicious way to share a piece of my heart with you.
My mother, a woman whose hands held the magic of transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces, taught me this recipe. It's not overly complicated, thankfully, because life as a working mom of two is anything but leisurely. I've tweaked it a little over the years, adjusting spices to suit my family's preferences, but the core remains the same. The key, I've discovered, lies in the slow cooking. It allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich, complex sauce that perfectly complements the tender aubergine and hearty pigeon peas. The subtle sweetness of the tomatoes balances the spice beautifully, creating a flavor profile that is both vibrant and comforting. And the simple garnish of fresh coriander adds the perfect final touch.
I remember the countless evenings spent in the kitchen, helping my mother prepare meals like this one. The clatter of pots and pans, the steam rising from the simmering curries, the warmth of family gathered around the table – these memories are woven into the fabric of my being. And each time I prepare this dish, it's like stepping back into that moment, reconnecting with my roots, and sharing a piece of my past with my own children. It is more than just a meal, it is a legacy passed down through generations. I often adapt the recipe based on what's available at the market or in my pantry. Sometimes I use different spices, experiment with different levels of heat, or even add other vegetables depending on the season.
This recipe isn't just for special occasions. Its ease and familiarity make it a perfect weeknight dinner. It's also incredibly versatile. I've served it with rice, naan bread, even over quinoa for a healthier twist. The possibilities are endless. But no matter how you choose to serve it, I hope you'll enjoy the taste of home, the warmth of family, and the love that went into creating this simple yet unforgettable dish. And maybe, just maybe, it'll inspire you to share your own culinary memories and traditions.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some soothing music, and let the aromas of this simple yet delicious dish fill your kitchen. Embrace the slow cooking process and allow the flavors to develop, creating a meal that's not just delicious, but also deeply satisfying. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, this recipe will not disappoint and may just become one of your family’s new favorite dishes. Remember, cooking is a journey of experimentation, and every adaptation is a chance to make this recipe your own.
Sharing this recipe with you today feels deeply personal. This dish represents more than just a culinary creation; it's a thread woven into the tapestry of my life, a reminder of my heritage, and a delicious way to connect with loved ones. The beautiful blend of spices, the tender aubergine, and the hearty pigeon peas all come together in perfect harmony to create a dish that is as comforting as it is flavorful. The memories associated with this recipe are priceless, and I hope you'll embrace them as much as I do when you prepare this curry for yourself.
