Ladies finger/ okra curry (vendakkai vadhakkal)

Okra/ Ladies Finger curry

Photo Courtesy: Srinivasan, Padmini (my parents)

This recipe is for starters who are experimenting with their cooking skills...Most of us love this vegetable. This is a very simple recipe made in most South Indian homes. We make this simple curry atleast once in 10 days.

Serves 2

Ingredients:
1 lb okra/ vendakka
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp urad dal
2 tsp oil
salt to taste
chilli powder 1/2 -3/4 tsp
turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
S Indian curry powder 1 tsp - optional

Chop ladiesfinger/ okra like shown in the picture. Cut off the edges and discard.
Add oil in a kadai/ wok.
When the oil is hot, splutter mustard seeds. Add the urad dal and roast till golden.
Add the chopped okra. Mix well.
Add salt, chilli powder and turmeric powder.
Continue to cook in medium flame, stirring once in a few minutes till completely cooked.
Add the karamathu Podi (curry powder) . Mix well. Leave it for 2 minutes and take off from flame.
Serve with rice and sambhar/kozhambu/ rasam / curds

Tips: If the okra is too hard or dry, sprinkle some water after it is cooked. Close and continue to cook for another 5 minutes till the okra absorbs water and gets really soft.
Calorie count: 30 calories per serving. Courtesy: http://www.thecaloriecounter.com/