Where Did The Word "Curry" Come From?
It is quite remarkable that brinjal sabzi, or curry, is actually the oldest curry in the world. Over time, there have been a few adaptations to the original recipe, but the essence of it remains the same. The term "curry" is simply an English interpretation of the Tamil word "kari”, which means "sauce" or "condiment for rice."
This dish was mentioned in a 17th-century cookbook that was compiled by members of the British East India Company, who referred to it as "kari podi" or "curry powder." The first written instance of the word "currey" in its anglicized form was found in an English cookbook that was published in 1747 by Hannah Glasse.
The Harappans Invented Brinjal Curry About 4000 Years Ago
The world's oldest known curry recipe may have been discovered at an archaeological site in Farmana, located in modern-day Haryana. In 2010, researchers from Washington State University in Vancouver conducted an excavation and found brinjal, turmeric, and ginger residue on earthen pots. It seems that the area was once a part of the Harappan civilization.
A variety of objects, from cooking utensils to musical instruments and dental enamel, were uncovered. By looking at the molecular composition of different vegetables and spices on these artifacts, the researchers were able to draw reliable conclusions. Tests conducted on the utensils revealed that eggplants were used to make the oldest curry ever found.
The Sanskrit names of these ingredients even appear to be older than the language itself, and it is thought that the simple brinjal curry from Harappa is the oldest existing type of curry on the planet, with an age of around 4000 years.
Benefits Of Consuming Brinjal
1. May Promote Heart health
Brinjals contain antioxidant properties that help promote heart health.
2. May Control Blood Sugar Levels
Brinjals contain a high amount of fiber and are low in carbohydrates, thus helping to regulate blood sugar levels and glucose absorption.
3. May Reduce Cancer Risk
Extracts found in brinjal are rich in cancer-fighting compounds that can treat different types of cancer.
4. Helps With Weight Loss
Brinjal contains a high amount of water and a low number of calories, thus making it ideal for people who want to reduce weight.
5. Promotes Eye Health
Eggplant is rich in lutein, which prevents age-related blindness and vision impairment.
Is Brinjal A Superfood?
It's considered a superfood because of its high nutritional value and fiber content. This vegetable provides all the essential nutrients and minerals as well as being useful for treating a variety of ailments. It is a fantastic addition to your daily routine.
It is fine to eat eggplant daily, as it is said to provide many nutrients and have many health benefits. However, individuals with a sensitive stomach should avoid doing so. It may cause allergies in some people and may not be easily digestible.
How To Prepare Brinjal Sabzi At Home
Here is a simple recipe to prepare brinjal curry at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 brinjal
- 2 tablespoons of oil to fry
- 1 large onion
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes
- ½ capsicum
- 2 green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon jeera powder
- Salt
- Coriander leaves to garnish
Method:
- The brinjal and capsicum should be cut into cubes; mince the onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
- Heat a pan with oil to fry the brinjal pieces and the brinjal carefully.
- Continue to stir until the oil turns golden, then drain and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and add the minced garlic, green chili, and onion together. Fry till the onions is soft.
- Add the chopped capsicum to it and fry for a minute.
- Then add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and spice powders.
- Cook them all till the tomatoes turn soft and mushy. This will take another 5 minutes.
- Add the fried brinjal to this mixture, cover, and cook well for another 5 minutes.
- Keep some chopped coriander leaves aside to garnish it on top.
