Okra/Lady's finger/Bhindi/ Vendakka Stew

Recipe No: 24

This is a dish from my mother’s kitchen. Back in the days she used to have many vegetables growing in her back yard. One of them was Okra/ Vendakka. I still remember her drying the seeds from ripe Okra to grow plants in the next season.

Ingredients                                                       Serves 4

• Okra/ Vendakka/ Lady's finger/ Bhindi washed, wiped dry and cut into 1cm. rounds……..1 ½ cup
• Onion sliced into thin long pieces………..1/2 small
• Ginger minced………………………………….1 Teaspoon
• Green Chilly sliced lengthwise…………….3-4
• Curry leaves……………………………………..2 sprigs
• Coconut oil………………………………………..2 Tablespoons
• Mustard seeds…………………………………..1/2 Teaspoon
• Chilly Powder…………………………………….1/4 Teaspoon
• Coriander Powder……………………………...1 Tablespoon
• Garam Masala Powder……………………….1/2 Teaspoon
• Turmeric Powder………………………………1/4 Teaspoon
• Water ………………………………………………..1-11/4 Cup
• Thick Coconut milk……………………………..3/4 Cup
• Salt as per taste

Method of Preparation

1. Preparing Okra needs a bit of a care. Wash them well, wipe and dry at least one hour before cutting. The best way is to wash and dry them when you bring them home from the market itself. Completely drying them will reduce the slime considerably.
2. Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds and allow spluttering.
3. Add Okra, Onion, Ginger, Green Chilly, Curry leaves and salt and saute till the slime disappears completely.
4. Lower the heat to medium low and add Chiily powder, Coriander powder, Garam Masala powder and Turmeric powder and saute till the raw smell is gone for a minute.
5. Add water so that it covers the okra pieces, close the pan and let it cook on medium heat for 10-12 minutes.
6. Once cooked add coconut milk and let it boil along the sides.
7. Turn off the flame and serve it hot with Chappathi. 

 

 Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and

serve it to your family with love...