Mumbai: Gutti Vankaya Vepudu is a beloved Andhra delicacy, known for its bold flavours and unique cooking technique. This traditional dish features small, tender brinjals (eggplants) stuffed with a rich, aromatic masala, then shallow-fried to perfection until they are soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
The masala, made with a blend of spices, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut, seeps into the eggplants as they cook, giving them a deep, savoury taste. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee, enhancing its rich flavours.
Whether served as a main course or a flavourful side with dal, sambar, or rasam, Gutti Vankaya Vepudu is a must-try dish for those who love authentic Andhra cuisine. With the perfect balance of spice and texture, this dish is sure to be a favourite at your dining table!
Gutti Vankaya Vepudu Recipe – Andhra’s Spicy Stuffed Eggplant Delight
Here is the recipe for delicious Stuffed brinjals:
To make this dish truly flavourful and delicious, it is essential to choose small, slightly tender eggplants. Larger eggplants, especially those with an abundance of seeds, take longer to cook and may alter the taste.
For the perfect balance of flavours, use 8 medium-sized eggplants, approximately 400 grams in total. The masala mixture should be prepared in proportion to this quantity to ensure the best taste.
Preparing the masala
1. Roasting the chillies
Begin by dry roasting ¼ cup of dried red chillies on a low flame until they release a fragrant aroma. This step enhances their flavour, giving the masala a deep, smoky taste.
2. Frying the spices
Add ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds, 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, and ¼ cup of coconut flakes to the pan. Lightly fry them until they turn golden brown and release a rich, nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them, as this could make the masala taste bitter.
3. Sautéing the onions
In 1 ½ teaspoons of oil, fry ¾ cup of finely chopped onions until they become golden brown. This step is crucial, as well-caramelised onions add sweetness and depth to the masala.
4. Adding ginger-garlic paste
Once the onions are golden brown, add 1 ½ teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste. Sauté well until the raw smell disappears, ensuring the flavours are well incorporated.
5. Mixing in the spice powders
Turn off the flame before adding the spice powders to prevent burning. Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons of chilli powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and salt as per taste. Some people also prefer to add a pinch of garam masala for extra warmth and depth of flavour.
6. Grinding the masala into a paste
Allow the mixture to cool before grinding it into a slightly coarse paste using a mixer. To enhance the taste, add a little tamarind pulp or a few drops of lemon juice, which adds a pleasant tanginess to the stuffing.
Stuffing the eggplants
- Preparing the eggplants: Carefully make four slits on each eggplant, ensuring they are deep enough to hold the masala but do not cut through completely.
- Preventing discolouration: To keep the eggplants fresh and prevent them from turning black, soak them in water until you are ready to stuff them. This step also helps retain their texture while cooking.
- Filling with masala: Evenly stuff the prepared masala into the slits, pressing gently so that the flavours seep into the eggplants.
Cooking the stuffed eggplants
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan.
- Add a few curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for added aroma.
- Place the stuffed eggplants in the pan, stirring gently to coat them evenly with oil.
- Cover the pan and let them cook on a low flame, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the eggplants become soft and fully cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves on top, cover the pan for a minute, and turn off the heat.
These flavour-packed stuffed eggplants pair wonderfully with hot steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee. The combination of spices, soft eggplants, and rich aroma makes this dish truly irresistible.
Gutti Vankaya Vepudu is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of Andhra’s rich culinary heritage. The combination of crispy fried eggplants, flavourful stuffing, and aromatic spices makes it an irresistible treat for any meal.
So why wait? Try this Andhra special today and experience the magic of spicy, stuffed brinjal fry at home!
Gutti Vankaya Vepudu is a flavourful Andhra-style dish of spiced, stuffed brinjals, shallow-fried until golden and tender. With its rich aroma and perfect spice balance, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice, dal, or sambar, making it a must-try for lovers of Andhra cuisine! Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
