Brinjal masala for biryani, chapathi and other mild pulaos. A spicy side dish with brinjal, other masala powders, makes it really flavourful, tangy and spicy.

Being a brinjal fan, it is a long time wish for me to try this brinjal masala for Biryani. I have posted one simple recipe in my initial blogging days. Always wanted to improvise the recipe and make it again. Though I wanted to use the curry powder we get here in Singapore for a change, I settled with the one we use.
I was uncertain about the results, but it was super delicious. I love the addition of sugar in this recipe as it highlights all the tastes. It was so apt for biryani when I had it with it. Also should be great as sides with rice. I am going to make this often hereafter for biryani or chapati. This recipe is adapted from this vlog.
I want to try this next time with the curry powder we get in Asian stores as it has a really unique flavour and different from the one we prepare always.
Check out my Soya chunks biryani
Recipe card
Brinjal masala
Ingredients
- 2 Brinjal Pulple white stripe variety
- 1 Onion
- 1 Tomato
- 1 Green chilli
- 1 tablespoon Tamarind paste
- 2 teaspoon Sambar powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chilli powder
- 1 tablespoon Coriander seeds powder heaped
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- Salt
To temper
- 3 tablespoon Oil
- 1 Cinnamon small piece
- 2 cardamom
- 2 cloves
- 1 star anise
- 2 Biriyani leaves
Instructions
- Heat oil in kadai and add Biriyani leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise. Roast for 30 secs.
- Add sliced onion, slit chilli and fry until onion turns transparent.
- In goes ginger garlic paste. Fry for 1 minute in medium flame.
- Add chopped tomatoes, salt, sugar, all the masala powders. Cook until it turns soft, mushy and oil separates.
- Add brinjal, each cut into 6-8 slices lengthwise, along with tamarind. Cook for 2 minutes covered.
- Add 1 cup water and mix well. Again simmer for 8 minutes in medium flame. Stir occasionally.
- Once brinjal is soft and oil floats on top, Switch off the heat garnish with coriander leaves.
Notes
- I used purple brinjal with white stripes variety. Any variety can be used.
- Don't skip sugar as it helps in balancing the taste.
Brinjal masala Method:
- Heat oil in kadai and add Biriyani leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise. Roast for 30 secs. Add sliced onion, slit chilli and fry until onion turns transparent.
- In goes ginger garlic paste. Fry for 1 minute in medium flame.
- Add chopped tomatoes, salt, sugar, all the masala powders. Cook until it turns soft, mushy and oil separates.
- Add brinjal, each cut into 6-8 slices lengthwise, along with tamarind. Cook for 2 minutes covered.
- Add 1 cup water and mix well. Again simmer for 8 minutes in medium flame. Stir occasionally.
- Once brinjal is soft and oil floats on top, Switch off the heat garnish with coriander leaves.
Enjoy with Biryani or chapati, goes well with rice too.
RG
Looks delicious!
R.girija
when to add tamarind paste....not given in the cooking method...but added in the ingredients.
Raks Anand
Sorry updated now. Its along brinjal. Thanks for letting me know.
Anjali
When you say 2 brinjal, what type and approx what weight in total? There are so many varieties of brinjal, and 2 bharta style large bhaingan will be quite diff from say, the long green ones. Tho your pic seems to show small purple ones - just 2 of those will be maybe 100g?
Raks Anand
Sorry not sure about weight in grams. I am so bad in it. But two big sized purple brinjal with white stripes here and there. Not the baingan bharta variety.
Jenny
It came out well for me
Ahilaa
Tasted Yummy 🙂
Raks Anand
Thank you 🙂
Lizzy
Substitute for tamarind?
Raks Anand
Tomato puree.