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Yogurt Eggplant Curry (Perugu Vankay)

Recipe by varunvasudev011 on InstagramAdded 19 September 2026.

15 minutes to prep, 30 to cook. A tangy South Indian eggplant curry where tender eggplant pieces are simmered in a spiced yogurt sauce. The dish balances the mild bitterness of the eggplant with the creamy sourness of yogurt, making it a comforting vegetarian main.

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Method

  1. Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them pop, then add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and slit green chilies; sauté for 30 seconds.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Mustard seeds pop in the hot oil. Add the aromatics as they begin to crackle.

  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown, about 4–5 minutes.

  3. Stir in the ginger‑garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens and the oil begins to separate, roughly 3 minutes.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Tomato softens and oil begins to separate. Stir as it breaks down.

  5. Mix in turmeric, coriander, and red chili powders; stir well and cook for 1 minute to release the spices' aroma.

  6. Add the cubed eggplant, season with salt, and toss to coat the pieces with the spice mixture.

  7. Cover the pan and let the eggplant steam on low heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Eggplant turns tender under the lid. Stir occasionally to cook the cubes evenly.

  8. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the beaten yogurt, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Yogurt blends smoothly into the curry. Pour slowly while stirring over low heat.

  9. Simmer the curry gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust salt if needed.

  10. Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the curry rest for 5 minutes so the yogurt thickens slightly.

  11. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or flatbread.

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The recipe comes from varunvasudev011’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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