1

To begin making the Kathirikai Pitlai Recipe, the first step is to make the Pitlai Podi.

2

To begin making the pitali podi, we will first have to dry roast all the ingredients in the same order of ingredients given. The ingredients have to be roasted until they are well browned, but not burnt.

3

Allow the mixture to cool a bit and then grind into a powder, in a mixer grinder.

4

Note: The powder will have a coarse texture, and not a fine powder

Method to make the Kathirikai Pitlai

1

Cook the lentils separately with 1-1/2 cups of water until soft and mushy. Once cooked, mash the lentils and keep aside.

2

Cut the brinjal into a medium sized cubes and keep them aside.

3

Into the pressure cooker, add the cut brinjal, salt and tamarind water. Pressure cook the brinjal until you hear once whistle. After a whistle, turn off the heat and release the pressure immediately, by placing the closed pressure cooker under running tap water. This process will release the pressure immediately.

4

Combine the cooked dal and the cooked brinjal together in one pan. Stir in the pitlai podi and give the mixture a brisk boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Check the salt levels and adjust to suit your taste. Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving bowl.

Method for seasoning the Kathirikai Pitlai

1

Heat oil in a small pan; add in the mustard seeds and allow it to crackle. Once it crackles, add in the curry leaves. Turn off the heat.

2

Add the seasoning to the Kathirikai Pitlai and serve along with a hot bowl of rice topped with ghee, along with potato roast and a carrot salad.