Bendakaya vepudu (Ladies’ fingers, okra fry)

 

       Okra or bhendi is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, cagnesium, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, protein, riboflavin, niacin, iron, zinc and copper.

Ingredients :

500 gms okra

For the tempering : 3 tbsp sunflower oil, half a tsp each of mustard seeds, jeera, urad dal, a sprig of fresh curry leaves(washed and dried), 2-3 dried red chillis.

salt according to taste, red chilli powder according to taste, turmeric powder (quarter to half tsp)

Procedure:

1. Wash and dry okra. Its important to dry them thouroughly before chopping in order to avoid a sticky mess. Chop the okra into small floret shaped pieces. (keep wiping the knife with a dry tissue in between chopping)

2. Heat oil in a wok (mukidi) and add urad dal, jeera and mustard seeds. Just as the mustard seeds start to pop, add the curry leaves and red chillis. Take care not to burn it.

3. Add the okra, salt, turmeric pwd, stir gently and leave to cook on medium heat. Stirring often at this stage will also result in a sticky mess.

4. After about 5-10 mins, stir again, fry for sometime and cover with lid after reducing the heat.

5. When it is done, (20-30 mins) add a little red chilli powder and switch off heat.

Palakura tomato (tender spinach and tomato)

Ingredients:

1 bunch tender spinach leaves cleaned and chopped roughly

3 medium sized sour tomatoes

1 small onion

2 green chillis

For the tempering : 2 tbsp sunflower oil, half a tsp each of mustard seeds, jeera, urad dal, a sprig of curry leaves(clean and dry).

salt,  red chilli powder according to taste, turmeric powder (little less than quarter tsp)

Procedure:

1. Chop onions finely and slit the green chillis.  Cut the tomatoes into one inch pieces.

2. Heat oil in a pot and add urad dal, jeera and mustard seeds. Just as the mustard seeds start to pop, add the curry leaves.

3. Add the onions and green chillis and fry till translucent.

4. Add the tomatoes, spinach, salt, turmeric pwd, red chilli pwd and mix.

5. Close lid and cook till done.

6. Tastes good with ghee and plain white rice and papads.