Learn how to make crispy and flavorful Andhra style brinjal fry curry (vankaya fry) with simple ingredients. This easy eggplant fry recipe is perfect with rice, dal, rasam or roti and ready in just 30 minutes.
🍆 Brinjal Fry Curry (Vankaya Fry) — Easy, Crispy & Full of Flavor
If you want a quick Andhra-style side dish that goes perfectly with hot rice + dal or rasam, this Brinjal Fry Curry is a lifesaver.
It needs simple ingredients, cooks fast, and tastes amazing — slightly crispy outside, soft inside, and loaded with masala flavor.
This recipe is beginner-friendly and works great for daily lunch boxes too.
—
📝 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
Main:
250–300 g brinjals (small or medium) – 5 to 8 pieces
2 tbsp oil (groundnut oil recommended)
1 onion – thinly sliced
2 green chillies – slit
Curry leaves – few
Coriander leaves – for garnish
Spice Powders:
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
1½ tsp coriander powder
½ tsp cumin powder
Salt – to taste
Special Masala (gives authentic taste):
2 tbsp roasted peanut powder (or sesame powder)
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp sugar (optional but enhances taste)
1 tsp lemon juice or tamarind pulp (optional)
—
🔪 Preparation
1. Wash brinjals and cut into medium cubes (not too thin).
2. Immediately soak in salt water for 10 minutes
👉 prevents black color & bitterness.
—
👩🍳 Cooking Method
Step 1 — Fry the Brinjal
1. Heat a wide pan and add oil.
2. Add curry leaves + green chillies.
3. Add brinjal pieces and fry on medium flame.
4. Do NOT cover — fry for 8–10 minutes until slightly golden.
> Tip: Stir occasionally only. Too much mixing breaks the brinjal.
—
Step 2 — Add Onion & Spices
1. Add sliced onion and sauté till soft.
2. Add:
Turmeric
Chilli powder
Coriander powder
Salt
Cook on low flame for 3–4 minutes.
—
Step 3 — Add Special Masala
Now add:
Peanut powder (or sesame powder)
Cumin powder
Garam masala
Sugar (optional)
Mix gently and cook 3–5 minutes until oil separates slightly.
—
Step 4 — Final Touch
Turn off flame and add:
Lemon juice / tamarind pulp
Coriander leaves
Your Brinjal Fry Curry is ready! 😋
—
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Best combinations:
Hot rice + ghee + pappu (dal)
Sambar or rasam
Curd rice
Chapati / roti
—
🔥 Pro Tips (Important)
Always cook in a wide pan → helps crispiness
Don’t add water → it becomes curry instead of fry
Peanut powder = hotel taste
Sesame powder = traditional Andhra taste
—
🧂 Variations
Village Style: Add crushed garlic while frying
Spicy Style: Add ½ tsp black pepper powder
Karam Style: Add 1 tbsp karam podi at end
Crispy Version: Add 1 tsp rice flour while frying
—
⏱️ Time & Nutrition
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Calories: ~140 per serving (approx)
—
❤️ Final Words
This brinjal fry is one of those recipes that turns even brinjal haters into fans!
Simple, quick, budget-friendly and perfect for everyday meals.
Try it once — it may become your weekly regular curry 😉