Kathirikkai (podi ) varuval

Kathirikkai/Brinjal , one of my most fav vegetable after Vendaikkai.I usually tend to stick with traditional recipes when I have them.So my usual Kathirikkai poriyal will have spices like red chiili powder , turmeric powder only.So wanted to try something different yet doesn't taste much different from what I usually make.Came up with this one.Podi gives this dish that special aroma n taste that the normal kathirikkai poriyal won't have!
Planning to use this spice powder for other vegetable dishes as well in the future.

You will need
Brinjal/Kathirikkai - 2 cups ( cubed)
Curry Leaves - as needed
Oil - 2 tbsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Urad dal - 1/4 tsp
Water - to sprinkle
Salt - as needed
For Podi
Oil - 2 tsp
Channa dal - 2tsp
Dania - 1 tsp
Red chillies - 5 to 6
Coconut - 2 tbsp (shredded) (optional)
Curry leaves - few

How you will make it

In pan, add 2 tsp of oil and fry ingredients listed under 'For Podi' until golden brown and let it cool.
Then grind it into a coarse powder. Now heat 2 tbsp of oil and fry mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves.Now add brijal pieces to this and saute on medium low flame.Add turmeric and salt to this and cook until they almost cooked.Sprinkle water in between if necessary.Finally add the powdered mixture and mix them all together carefully.Careful not to over cook them and mush the brinjal pieces.Serve them along with Rice and Dal.