Kathirikai Sadam

Ingredients

• 🫙Ginger Garlic Paste1 tbsp
  
• 🧂Saltto taste
  
• 🧅Onion1, thinly sliced
  
• 🌶️Green Chili2, slit
  
• 🧈Ghee2 tbsp
  
• 🌶️Turmeric Powder1/2 tsp
  
• 🌾Basmati Rice2 cups, rinsed and soaked 20 minutes
  
• 🌶️Whole Garam Masala Spices2 tsp
  
• 🌿Curry Leaves2 sprigs
  
• 🍆Eggplant2 medium (300 g), cubed
  
• 🫙Sesame Seeds1 tsp
  

Optional extras

• 🌿Fresh Cilantro2 tbsp, chopped
  

Instructions

1. 1

   Soak the basmati rice for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly — wet rice turns mushy.

2. 2

   Melt ghee over medium flame, toast the whole spices briefly, then add the sliced onions.

3. 3

   Cook the onions down till sweet and bronze, add the paste and spices, and fry till the oil gleams at the edges.

4. 4

   Stir in the eggplant, cook briefly, then fold in the rice with a light hand so the grains don't break.

5. 5

   Pour in hot water (1:1.5 for biryani-style, a little less for pulao), add salt, bring to a boil and cook covered on the lowest flame till the water is gone; rest 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.