Vendakkai Mor Kuzhambu

Ingredients

1. Okra / vendakka – 15 – 20, small cut into 1.5 inch pieces

2. Yoghurt – 1.5 cup, beaten with 1/2 cup water

3. Oil – 1.5 tbsp

4. Mustard seeds – 3/4 tsp

    Fenugreek seeds – 1/4 tsp

    Dried red chilies – 2, broken

    Curry leaves – 1 sprig

5. Grated coconut – 1/2 cup

    Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp

    Green chilies – 2 – 3 small

    Cumin seeds / jeera – 1/2 tsp

6. Salt – To taste

Method

1. Wash the okra well. Cut into 1.5 inch pieces. Heat 1 – 1.5 tbsp oil in a pan. Add the okra / bhindi/vendakkai pieces and little salt. Saute for about 8 – 10 minutes, stirring occasionally at medium heat until light brown.

2. Grind the grated coconut along with turmeric powder, green chilies and cumin seeds to a very fine paste. Combine the beaten yoghurt and ground coconut mixture.

3.  Heat 2 – 3 tsp ghee/oil in a pan. Splutter mustard seeds and fry fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies and curry leaves.

4. Add the yoghurt mixture, stirring continuously at medium-low heat. Cook for a few minutes. Add the fried okra and cook for a few more minutes until heated through (do not boil) . Serve with hot rice after 10 minutes.