Chidambaram Kathirikai Gothsu: A Flavorful South Indian Brinjal Dish

35 minutes

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4.50 from 4 votes

About Chidambaram Kathirikai Gothsu: A Flavorful South Indian Brinjal Dish

Embark on a culinary adventure to Chidambaram with this Kathirikai Gothsu, a vibrant South Indian eggplant dish bursting with flavor. Imagine the rich aroma of spices mingling with the tangy, pickle-like texture – a truly unique take on traditional gothsu.
This recipe, inspired by the offerings at Lord Nataraja Temple, delivers an authentic taste experience. Served with fluffy sambha rice, it's a divine combination.
Whether you savor the classic onion-free version or embrace the sweetness of small onions, this Kathirikai Gothsu promises a symphony of flavors that will captivate your senses.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total35 minutes
Calories749 kcal
Serves5
Served AsLunch

Ingredients
 

Brinjals and Onions

  • 7 Eggplant thinly sliced after washing and removing stem
  • 10 Onion peeled and chopped into 2 or 3 pieces each, small

Flavoring Agents

Spice Powder

Other

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Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the sliced brinjals and fry until they become slightly brown and softened. This allows the brinjals to absorb the oil and develop a rich flavor. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
    Pots of Chidambaram Kathirikai Gothsu, a flavorful South Indian brinjal dish.
  • Add salt, asafoetida powder, turmeric powder, and curry leaves to the pan. Mix well to combine the spices with the brinjals and onions. Pour in the tamarind juice. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling and the brinjals are fully cooked, gently mash them using a potato masher or the back of a ladle. This creates the desired thick consistency. Add the jaggery, which balances the tartness of the tamarind.
    Chidambaram Kathirikai Gothsu: A Flavorful South Indian Brinjal Dish - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • As the gravy thickens, add the prepared spice powder and mix thoroughly. Continue to cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture, indicating that the gothsu is ready. This separation of oil enhances the flavor and texture of the dish. Finally, temper the dish with mustard seeds and curry leaves. The tempering adds a final layer of aroma and flavor.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For an authentic temple-style taste, skip the onions and add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and a few curry leaves during tempering.
  • If you prefer a smokier flavor, roast the brinjals directly over an open flame until charred, peel off the skin, and mash before adding to the gothsu.
  • To balance bitterness, soak the cut brinjal pieces in salted water for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies during the tempering process. For a milder gothsu, remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them.
  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of sesame oil and coconut oil for tempering.
  • Freshly grated coconut adds a wonderful sweetness and texture to the gothsu. If using desiccated coconut, soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before blending.

Storage Instructions

  • Leftover gothsu can be refrigerated for up to three days.

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4.50 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 749kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 80gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 40.8gSodium: 684mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Subhashni Venkatesh
Subhashni Venkatesh

I am a native of Kanyakumari district, brought up in Tiruchirapalli, and settled in Tirunelveli. I started exploring cooking at the age of 15 and learned a variety of recipes from my two grandmothers, friends, aunts, mother, and mother-in-law.

Cooking is, of course, my passion. I work as a teacher, and my colleagues love to receive recipes and tips from me, just as I enjoy learning from them. My son and husband encourage me to experiment with and innovate new dishes."

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4.50 from 4 votes

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