Thursday, August 4, 2011

Vendakkai Thayir Pachadi/ Spicy Okra in yogurt sauce/ Bhindi Raita

I had a lot of veggies in the fridge the other day. But there were very few veggies 2 of each type and I had a handful of Okra. So I decided to make a festive menu with all the veggies on-hand. And I ended up making Sambar, rasam, 2 curry/poriyal varieties, appalam, and my all time favorite Okra raita.



It is a very simple and easy recipe. My mom makes it very often and of course she makes it very delicious too. Here is how I made it.

Ingredients:

Okra - About 8-10 small sized ones
Oil - 1/2 Tbsp
Mustard seeds - A few for tempering
Urad Dal - 1/4 Tsp for tempering
Chana Dal - 1/2 Tsp for tempering
Asafoetida /Hing - 1/8th of a Tsp
Turmeric Powder - A pinch
Red Chilli Powder - 1/8th of a Tsp
Curry Leaves - Optional (I did not use them)
Salt - To taste

Method:


  • Cut the okra into small pieces about 1/2 an inch thickness and set it aside.

  • In a pan heat oil. Once the oil is hot add in the mustard seeds, urad dal chana dal, asafoetida/hing, salt and curry leaves. Then add in the okra and fry well.

  • Once the okra is cooked through, remove from flame and allow it to cool down completely.

  • In a bowl take some yogurt and whisk it well to get a very smooth consistency.

  • Add the cooled okra to the yogurt and mix well. Set aside for about 1/2 an hour before serving.

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature with lunch or dinner.


Notes:

  • Some like to deep fry the okra until it is dark brown. It depends on you whether you would like it to be deep fried or just cooked.
  • You can choose not to add turmeric powder and red chilli powder.
  • I did not have curry leaves. So I did not use them. You can add them for extra flavor.
  • Thickness of yogurt depends on how you like it. I like it medium thick. I whisk it so that I get a smooth yogurt.


7 comments:

Lifewithspices said...

Yummy raitha filling one too..

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

i love okra, your way of cooking it sound so good.

Vimitha Durai said...

Simple pachadi

aipi said...

One of my fav ways to eat okra ~ very nicely done :)
Us Masala

chitraj.hegde said...

lovely....even i prepare this..but i also add fresh grated coconut paste to it..which will give u good and nice flavor...

Manju said...

OMG! I love the fried okra in this kichadi! My first time here and love some of the recipes you have in here. Congrats on completing one year of blogging! :)

Raks said...

My favorite of all kind,looks too tempting now!