Ingredients
Metric weights use grams. US weights use ounces; liquids use fluid ounces. Conversions are rounded. Spoon measures use 5 ml teaspoons and 15 ml tablespoons; cups use 240 ml.
Serves 6
Eggplant
Pickle
Equipment
Kitchen scales; measuring jug and spoons; knife; cutting board; mixing bowls; saucepan with lid; sieve; heavy frying pan; spatula; heatproof spoon; spatula.
Check all product labels and cross-contact. Diet groups describe this listed recipe, not every substitution.
Steps
Fry · About 8 min
- Toss eggplant from 700 g eggplant, cut into sticks, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp salt, 750 ml neutral oil with turmeric and salt, pat dry and fry in its oil at 175°C / 350°F in batches until golden. Drain.
Check: Look for this result: golden.
Pickle · About 10 min
- Simmer 150 g small shallots, peeled, 100 g green chilies, slit, 100 ml vinegar, 40 g sugar, 20 g mustard seeds, ground, 15 g ginger, grated, 15 g garlic, grated 8–10 minutes until shallots soften slightly.
Check: Look for this result: shallots soften slightly.
Combine · About 60 min
- Fold in eggplant, cool promptly and refrigerate 1 hour. This is a fresh refrigerated pickle, not a shelf-stable preserve.
Tips
- Drain fried eggplant well before adding the vinegar mixture.
- Judge Wambatu Moju by the texture and doneness signs in its steps. Your pan and heat affect how long Wambatu Moju takes to cook.
Substitutions
- Use mild green peppers instead of chilies.
Storage
- Get perishable Wambatu Moju into the fridge within two hours, or within one hour above 32°C / 90°F. Eat Wambatu Moju within two days, keeping it covered at 4°C / 40°F or colder.
- Bring cooked Wambatu Moju to 74°C / 165°F, stirring or turning it for even heating. When Wambatu Moju is part of the meal, serve cold salads, dips and chilled desserts straight from safe refrigeration.
Make ahead
- Prepare the measured ingredients for Wambatu Moju one day ahead. For Wambatu Moju, refrigerate chopped vegetables apart from the other perishable ingredients. Follow the cooking stages for Wambatu Moju on the day of serving.
FAQ
What matters most when making Wambatu Moju?
Drain fried eggplant well before adding the vinegar mixture.
What can I substitute in Wambatu Moju?
Use mild green peppers instead of chilies.
Can I prepare Wambatu Moju ahead?
Prepare the measured ingredients for Wambatu Moju one day ahead. For Wambatu Moju, refrigerate chopped vegetables apart from the other perishable ingredients. Follow the cooking stages for Wambatu Moju on the day of serving.
Food safety references
FoodSafety.gov: cooking temperatures · Food Standards Agency: rice storage and reheating
