Vendakkai Poriyal / Ladiesfinger(Okra) Fry

Okra also known as ladiesfinger, vendakkai, bhindi, bendakayi has a lot of medicinal values. It is a good source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, essential B vitamins as well as magnesium, manganese and potassium. I usually make vendakkai pulikuzhambu/stew using ladiesfinger. This poriyal also features once in a while in my kitchen. It goes well along with some rice and dhal.

Ingredients
Ladiesfinger - 1 lb or 1/2 kg
Onion - 1 medium sized
Green chillies - 2 slit lengthwise
Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Red chilli powder - 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
Urad dhal - 1 teaspoon
Curry leaves - 1 sprig
Oil - 2 spoons

Directions

Wash the ladiesfingers/okra and wipe them dry with a kitchen towel. If they remain wet they turn mushy while cooking. Slice the okra into small pieces .

In a vessel, heat the oil and add the mustard seeds and urad dal. Once they start spluttering, add the curry leaves followed by the onions. Saute till they turn slightly brown.

Add the green chillies followed by the ladiesfinger/okra.

Keep on medium flame and fry till the stickiness of the okra disappears and gets cooked well.
Add the salt, turmeric powder and red chilli powder and mix well. Cook for two more minutes on a medium flame and remove from heat.

Serve warm with dal and rice.