Ennai Kathirikai Recipe: Authentic Tamil Nadu Spicy Brinjal Curry

Ennai Kathirikai Recipe: Learn how to make authentic Ennai Kathirikai, a traditional Tamil Nadu brinjal curry cooked in sesame oil with aromatic spices. Step-by-step recipe for perfect South Indian flavor.

 

By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: February 27, 2026 

 

If you love bold South Indian flavors, Ennai Kathirikai is a must-try traditional dish. This classic Tamil Nadu recipe features small brinjals (baby eggplants) cooked in sesame oil (“ennai” means oil in Tamil) with a rich, spicy masala stuffing. The result is a deeply aromatic, tangy, and slightly smoky curry that pairs beautifully with steamed rice, sambar, or even chapati.

This Ennai Kathirikai recipe is especially popular in Tamil Brahmin households and Chettinad cuisine, known for its robust spice blends and balanced heat. The magic lies in slow-cooking the stuffed brinjals in gingelly oil, allowing the flavors to intensify and coat each piece perfectly.

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Why Ennai Kathirikai Is So Popular

1. Authentic Tamil Nadu traditional recipe
2. Rich, spicy, and tangy flavor profile
3. Made with simple pantry spices
4. Vegan and gluten-free
5. Perfect for festive South Indian meals

The generous use of sesame oil enhances both aroma and depth, giving ennai kathirikai curry its signature taste.

Ingredients for Ennai Kathirikai

Main Ingredients:

1. 8–10 small purple brinjals (baby eggplants)
2. 3 tablespoons sesame oil (gingelly oil)
3. 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
4. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
5. A few curry leaves
6. 1 small onion, finely chopped
7. 1 small tomato, finely chopped
8. Tamarind extract (2 tablespoons)
9. Salt to taste

For Masala Stuffing:

1. 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
2. 1 tablespoon chana dal
3. 1 teaspoon urad dal
4. 4–5 dry red chilies
5. ½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
6. 2 tablespoons grated coconut (optional but traditional)
7. ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

How to Make Ennai Kathirikai (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Brinjals

Wash the baby brinjals and slit them into four sections without cutting them completely. Keep them intact at the stem so they can hold the stuffing.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala

Dry roast coriander seeds, chana dal, urad dal, dry red chilies, and fenugreek seeds until fragrant. Add grated coconut and roast lightly. Let the mixture cool, then grind it into a coarse powder. Mix in turmeric and salt.

Step 3: Stuff the Brinjals

Carefully stuff the prepared masala into each brinjal, pressing gently so the filling stays inside.

Step 4: Tempering

Heat sesame oil in a thick-bottomed pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds and curry leaves.

Step 5: Cooking the Curry

Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add tomatoes and cook until soft. The stuffed brinjals should be carefully added to the pan. Add tamarind extract and a little water. Cover and cook on low flame for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

The brinjals should become soft but not mushy. The oil will start separating from the masala — this indicates the curry is ready.

Expert Tips for Perfect Ennai Kathirikai

1. Always use small tender brinjals for authentic taste.
2. Sesame oil is essential; do not substitute with regular oil.
3. Cook on a low flame to avoid burning the masala.
4. Slightly coarse masala gives a better texture.
5. Let the curry rest for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Tamil-style Ennai Kathirikai recipe pairs beautifully with:

1. Steamed rice with ghee
2. Sambar or rasam
3. Curd rice
4. Chapati or dosa

It is often served during South Indian weddings and festive lunches as part of a traditional banana-leaf meal.

Health Benefits

Brinjal (eggplant) is rich in fiber and antioxidants. Sesame oil provides healthy fats and adds anti-inflammatory properties. This makes ennai kathirikai curry both flavorful and nutritious when consumed in moderation.

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Final Thoughts

If you are searching for an authentic Ennai Kathirikai recipe, Tamil style, this traditional brinjal curry is the perfect choice. Its bold spices, tangy tamarind base, and aromatic sesame oil create a dish that truly represents the heart of South Indian cuisine.

Try this classic South Indian recipe at home and experience the rich culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu in every bite.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.