Sri Lankan eggplant pickle | වම්බටු මෝජු | Eggplant pickle | Brinjal pickle | Wambatu moju

Wambatu moju also known as Sri Lankan eggplant pickle, brinjal pickle or ‘Batu moju’. This vegan/vegetarian pickle is sweet, sour and slightly hot. This dish is commonly made during festive seasons such as Christmas, New year and Sinhala and Tamil New year.

Traditionally eggplant is fried. But you can use the air-fryer to cook the eggplant. Preheat the air fryer to 160F for 5 minutes. Place the eggplant on a single layer and air fry for 10 minutes. Remove and shake the air fryer basket to flip the eggplant, and air fry until eggplant id cooked. Once done, remove the eggplant from the air fryer and set it aside. Shallots and chillies can be fried by using bit of oil on the pan and flip them over for 30 seconds to a minute.

Ingredients
- 500g eggplant
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 100g green chillies
- 150g small shallots
- ½ cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chopped ginger
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Oil for frying

Method
- Cut the eggplant into long or short strips (thicker strips).
- Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric and give it a good mix. Set aside.
- Slit the chillies in the middle.
- Deep fry shallots for about 30 seconds.
- Deep fry green chillies for about 30 seconds.
- Fry the eggplant in batches until golden and cooked through.
- Place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Place a pan over low heat. Add vinegar. Heat for a minute.
- Add chopped ginger and garlic. Give it a quick mix and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add ground mustard seeds and chilli powder. Give it a good mix.
- Add pepper, turmeric, salt and sugar. Give it a good mix and cook for a minute.
- Add fried eggplant and give it a quick mix.
- Add fried chillies and shallots. Mix well.
Enjoy!!!

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