3 OKRA / VENDAKKAI PULI KUZHAMBU

Ladies finger/Okra/Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu(kulambu)/ Bendakaaya Pulusu


Okra / Ladies Finger - around 12 Cut into big pieces
Onion - 1 big chopped fine
Tomato - 1 chopped fine
Tamarind - lime size soak in water and extract thick pulp
Garlic(optional) - 4 pods
Chilli powder - 1 tbsp
Dhaniya powder - 1 tbsp
Jeera powder - 1/2 tbsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tbsp
Coconut - 1/2 cup grated( grind to a smooth paste)
Salt as needed
Oil - 2 tbsp
Gingelly oil - 1 tbsp

For temperting:-
Mustard seeds, urad dhal, curry leaves.

Heat oil in a pan and add onions...fry till light brown next add tomatoes ...mash and fry till they are pulpy...then add garlic( optional) and okra's...saute for 3 or 4 minutes and add all the powders( can substitute with your home made powder)....mix well and add the tamraind pulp...if needed can also add a cup of water...reduce flame and cook for 5 minutes...next add coconut paste and salt...let it all cook together for another 6 to 7 minutes.


For tempering-heat oil in a different small kadai and add mustard seeds, urad dhal and curry leaves...pour it on the curry...just before removing can add a tbsp of gingelly oil ( optional)....goes well with rice.
If you want the okra to retain its texture..then you can fry them seperately and add it to the curry just before removing.