Ennai Kathirikai Kuzhambu

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sesame oil (can also use mild, neutral oil such as avocado )
• 6 small baby eggplant (tender ones with bright green stems)
• 10 pods garlic
• 1 medium onion (shallots work best)
• 1 medium tomato
• 1 pingpong ball sized tamarind chunk (soak in warm water for about 20 mins)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp methi/fenugreek seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 tsp fennel (saunf) seeds