ladies finger fry, okra fry, bendakaya fry, bendakaya vepudu

Bendakaya Vepudu / Okra Fry / Ladies Finger Fry

Bhindi, bhendi, bendakaya or vendakkai is a very common and versatile vegetable that is easily available in every Indian household. Many dishes can be prepared with this simple okra. The dishes are very simple as well. Bhendi or ladies finger is highly
rich in fibre and folate. This is also rich in Vitamin K. The best thing about ladies fingers is that it is a low calorie veggie.

Today´s dish is a very simple and common dish yet a delicious curry. This is a basic stir fry of Bhendi. I love this curry so much that I prepare this curry every week. My kids also love this curry. I mix this with plain steamed rice for their lunch boxes and I am rest assured that the box will come empty.

Bhendi or ladies finger fry is very simple and easy to prepare. Just like other curries, there are many versions of preparing this Curry. Some use onions, some do not use onions, some use besan, etc.,. Today I am preparing Bendakaya fry with onions.

Preparation

Wash the ladies fingers and wipe with a cloth such that there is no moisture on them. You can also pat them dry on a kitchen cloth. Firstly, slice onions and keep aside. When we chop the ladies fingers, there is a gummy substance that releases from them. So if we have to slice the onion after chopping the ladies fingers, we will have a tough time trying to release the gummy substance off the knife and the chopping board. So, its always advisable to chop the onions first and then finish with the ladies fingers. Chop the ladies fingers into bite sized pieces. Keep aside.  Heat oil in a pan. Once hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow the seeds to crackle.

Now add sliced onion and dry red chillies. Sauté until the onions turn pink.

Add the chopped ladies fingers, turmeric powder and throw in salt and sugar.

Mix well and cook uncovered. I don't find the need to cover and cook for this bhindi fry. This cooks fast and moreover, when we cover the curry while cooking, I personally feel that the gummy substance remains for a long time. Keep mixing occasionally to avoid burning at the bottom of the pan. Do not panic if you find strings forming between the ladies fingers while cooking. This is common. These strings disappear gradually.  Cook until the ladies fingers turn soft. Add chilli powder and mix well.

Check for seasoning and switch off the flame . Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rice and sambar.

Ingredients

Ladies fingers 1/2 kg

Onion 1  big

Oil 2 tbsp

Mustard seeds 1 tsp

Cumin seeds 1 tsp

Dry red chillies 2

Salt to taste

Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp

Chilli powder 1 tsp

Sugar 1 tsp

Coriander leaves to garnish

Method

1. Wash and wipe the ladies fingers such that there is no moisture on them.
2. Chop them into bite sized pieces and keep aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
4. When they splutter, add sliced onions and dry red chillies. Sauté until the onions turn pink.
5. Drop in the chopped ladies fingers and mix well.
6. Add salt and sugar and cook uncovered.
7. Keep mixing occasionally to prevent the curry from burning.
8. Cook until the ladies fingers are soft.
9. Add chilli powder and check for seasoning.
10. Remove from flame and garnish with coriander leaves.
11. Serve with rice and sambar.

Notes

1. The whole process of cooking is done on low to medium to flame .
2. Always choose tender ladies fingers to get soft and nice curry.