Stuffed Brinjal(Microwave/Stovetop)

When I used to go to chennai during my vacation, one of my relatives used to make this stuffed brinjal. It would taste heavenly. My mother does not like brinjal, so our brinjal consumption was less and even when we had brinjal, it would only be the stir fried brinjal. So, whenever I go on vacation, I would be expecting this brinjal for lunch quite eagerly :)) This kind of preparation takes some time and effort, but the end result is worth every second of your time. Do try this on a weekend or when you have more time at hand.

What I used:
Small Brinjals - 250 gms, the smallest you can find. Try to pick up same size brinjals.
Oil - 2 Tbsp
Salt - as per taste
To Roast and Grind:
Red chili - 3 (deseeded or not depending on your tastebuds) OR
Chili powder - 1 tsp
Coconut - 1 Tbsp
Coriander seeds - 1 Tbsp
Garlic - 3
Chana Dal - 1 tsp (If you have roasted chana dal, grind it directly along with other ingredients without roasting)
Jeera - 1 tsp
Tamarind paste - 1 tsp
Oil - 1 tsp
salt

How I made:
- Wash the brinjals. Apply some salt and set aside.
- Dry roast all the ingredients under 'To Roast and Grind' except oil and tamarind paste for 2 minutes on medium flame. Let it cool
- Grind the roasted ingredients along with oil and tamarind till it attains a fine texture.(If it is coarse, the stuffing will not stay when cooking)
- Now slit the brinjals. Cut the stem portion of the brinjal and slit the brinjal from top to 3/4th in a way that the brinjal does not break. Now turn the brinjal, bottom facing you and slit from the other side.

- Stuff the brinjals with the ground paste.
- Heat the oil in a kadai or a non stick pan and drop the brinjals one by one gently. Use a wooden spatula to toss them around. Keep the flame low and cover the pan and let the brinjal cook. Add little oil if the brinjals are getting stuck or sprinkle few drops of water every minute till the brinjals are tender.

This goes well with rice, paratha.
For the microwave version, after stuffing the brinjals, steam them in a idli steamer for 7-8 minutes on medium-high. Brush the brinjals with some oil and microwave for another 3-4 minutes without the lid on.