Vendakkai pulikuzhambu / Ladiesfinger curry

I have a crown yet I am not the king
You cut my crown and feet off with a fling

I carry lots of eggs, yet I nothing but a veggie
Even with all that I am thin and long not pudgy

I am green and I am gooey
If u dont pay attention, I will make your dish go mushy and chewy

I do good to your health and to you brain
Which is what your elders told you without refrain
Now its up to you to think and guess
To who I am ...Cos I am good too and no less.

Did you guess what is that????
Yes it is the great Ladiesfinger/Okra..
This was the riddle I had to crack for the Open Sesame event held at the Dining Hall..





It was fun participating in the event and I was able to guess the answer immediately with my hubby's help..Here is the dish I prepared with okra..It is none but the authentic Pulikuzhambu/Okra in tamarind sauce..Here goes the recipe..

Ingredients

Ladiesfinger - 250 grams
Onion - 1 medium sized
Green chillies - 2
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
Urad dhall - 1 teaspoon
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Garlic - 3 to 4 pods
Coconut shredded (optional) - 1 tablespoon
Sambhar powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
Tamarind extract - 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Oil - 2 spoons

Directions

Cut the ends of the ladiesfinger and wipe them dry..Chop them about half inch thick..
Heat a teaspoon of oil and add the ladiesfinger..Saute them until all the sliminess disappears for about 3 to 4 minutes..Keep it aside..
Now heat oil in a pan and add the mustard,cumin, urad dhall and curry leaves..When the start spluttering add the onions, green chillies and garlic and saute till they turn translucent..
Now add the ladiesfinger followed by the turmeric powder and sambhar powder..Add the tamarind extract and salt..Also add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil..Cover and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until the ladies finger gets cooked completely..
Serve hot with rice..



Recipe Marathon Day 10 Menu:

Siri - Green Tea
Valli - Sadda dosa
Dhivya - Choco-date and walnut brownies
Ranji - Chicken drumettes
Swati - Amritsari Chole Bhature
Arundathi - Saffron Risotto
Bhags - Tzatziki
Raaga - Spinach in Coconut Milk Gravy
Lakshmi -Roasted Eggplant Wafers