Sri
Lankan Eggplant Curry
(Wambatu Moju)
A Delicious Recipe to Savor
Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its
rich flavors, colorful dishes, and a unique blend of spices that reflect the
island’s diverse culture. One of the standout dishes is Wambatu Moju,
also known as Sri Lankan Eggplant Curry. This tangy, sweet, and spicy
dish is made using deep-fried eggplant, flavored with a mix of roasted spices,
and cooked to perfection with vinegar and sugar to give it a pickle-like twist.
Wambatu Moju is a must-have in traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry meals,
adding a burst of flavor to the plate.
In this article, we’ll explore how
to make Sri Lankan Eggplant Curry, offering a step-by-step guide that will
bring the authentic flavors of Sri Lanka to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let's gather the
ingredients for making this delicious curry. For a dish that serves 4-5 people,
you’ll need the following:
- 500g of eggplant (also known as brinjal)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green chilies, sliced lengthwise
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds
- 2 tablespoons of curry powder (Sri Lankan or roasted)
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons of red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (brown or white)
- ¼ cup of coconut oil (for frying)
- ¼ cup of white vinegar
- Salt to taste
- A few curry leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Wambatu Moju
Step
1: Prepare the Eggplants
Start by washing the eggplants
thoroughly. Cut them into wedges or round slices, approximately 2-3 inches
long. Eggplant tends to absorb a lot of oil, so after cutting, you can lightly
salt the pieces and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Pat the eggplant slices dry with a clean kitchen towel before frying.
Step
2: Fry the Eggplants
Heat coconut oil in a deep frying
pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the eggplant pieces in batches until they turn
golden brown. You’ll need to fry them until they have a crispy exterior while
remaining tender inside. Once fried, place the eggplants on a paper towel to
drain the excess oil. Set them aside for later use.
Step
3: Prepare the Tempering Mix
In another pan, add a small amount
of oil (you can use the same oil used for frying the eggplant). Add mustard
seeds and fenugreek seeds. Once the seeds start to crackle, add the sliced
onions, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry the mixture until the
onions become translucent and the ingredients are fragrant.
Step
4: Add Spices
Next, it’s time to bring the curry
to life with aromatic spices. Add curry powder, turmeric powder, and red chili
powder to the tempering mix. Stir the spices well to combine them with the
onion mixture, cooking for about 1-2 minutes on medium heat to release their
flavors. Be careful not to burn the spices.
Step
5: Create the Curry Base
Add vinegar, sugar, salt, and
tamarind paste (if using) to the spiced onion mixture. Stir everything well and
cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and balances out
the sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The tamarind and vinegar will give the
curry its tangy flavor, while the sugar adds a hint of sweetness, typical of
Wambatu Moju.
Step
6: Combine the Fried Eggplant
Now, it’s time to add the fried
eggplant pieces to the curry base. Gently mix the eggplant with the spiced
sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Lower the heat and let the eggplant
simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together
while ensuring the eggplant remains soft and tender.
Step
7: Final Touches
As the final step, add curry leaves
and a cinnamon stick to enhance the fragrance and depth of the curry. Let the
curry simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Your
Sri Lankan Eggplant Curry is now ready to be served!
Serving
Suggestions
Wambatu Moju is typically served as
an accompaniment to steamed rice, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of
Sri Lankan dishes such as dal curry, coconut sambol, or fish curry. This
versatile dish can be stored in the fridge for a few days, and its flavors
often intensify, making it even more delicious after resting.
Tips for Perfecting Wambatu Moju
- Choose fresh, tender eggplants: Select firm, small eggplants for the best results, as
they have fewer seeds and a more delicate flavor.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess: The beauty of Wambatu Moju lies in balancing the sweet
and sour elements. You can adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts according
to your taste preference.
- Use coconut oil:
Coconut oil adds an authentic flavor to Sri Lankan cooking and is a
healthier option compared to refined oils.
- Deep fry or shallow fry: While deep frying the eggplant gives a crispy texture,
shallow frying can be a healthier option if you want to cut down on oil.
Why You’ll Love Sri Lankan Eggplant Curry
Sri Lankan Eggplant Curry, or
Wambatu Moju, is not just a flavorful dish, but it’s also packed with health
benefits. Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great
addition to a balanced diet. They are also a good source of antioxidants and
essential vitamins.
Additionally, the use of spices like
turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves adds more than just flavor; these ingredients
have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in nutrients. Combining the
fried eggplant with a sweet and sour sauce creates a complex dish that appeals
to all taste buds, making it a favorite in both home cooking and traditional
Sri Lankan feasts.
Conclusion
Wambatu Moju is a dish that truly
represents the vibrant and bold flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine. Whether you’re
hosting a Sri Lankan-themed dinner or simply looking to explore new recipes,
this eggplant curry is an excellent choice to impress your family and friends.
With its crispy texture, spicy tang, and sweet undertones, this dish is a
must-try for anyone interested in global flavors.
Give this recipe a try, and
experience the taste of Sri Lanka right in your own kitchen!
If you enjoyed trying out this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Your feedback is valuable and helps mecreate more content you'll love. Please share your experience, any modifications you made, or evenyour favorite variations in the comments below. Whether you have suggestions, tips, or just want to letme know how it turned out, your input is always welcome. Engaging with you not only helps meimprove but also inspires others to try new things. Thank you for being a part of our cookingcommunity—happy cooking and see you in the comments!
https://web.facebook.com/?_rdc=1&_rdr
Social Plugin