1Dry roast the peanuts, sesame, coconut, coriander seeds and half the cumin separately on low heat. Cool.
2Fry the onion in 1 tbsp oil until golden. Grind with the roasted mix, ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, turmeric and a little water to a smooth paste.
3Fry the slit brinjals in 2 tbsp oil, covered, turning now and then, until the skins wrinkle. Lift them out.
4Heat the remaining oil. Add mustard, the rest of the cumin, fenugreek, nigella and curry leaves, then the paste. Fry, stirring.
5Add the tamarind extract, water, salt and jaggery and bring to a simmer. Slide in the brinjals, cover and cook on low until tender and the gravy is thick.
6Rest for at least 15 minutes, scatter coriander and serve with biryani, bagara rice or rotis.
Serve it like this
Serve hot in a deep bowl with a swirl of ghee or a few coriander leaves on top, and rice or rotis on the side.