Vendakai / Okra Sukka

In the famous Tamil movie Roja, there is a scene where the hero Arvindsamy goes to see the elder sister for marriage and says he likes her younger sister ! Not to forget that “Enaku intha ponna pidichiruku!” dialogue. Same is the story for my last post, where Parupu Thogayal is the elder sister and the side Vendakai/Okra sukka is the younger sister.

I got messages and comments about the sukka more than the Parupu Thogayal !

I always wash and leave the okra to air dry in open for a day or two before cooking with it as it helps in avoiding that white fluid; and that means less cooking time and oil. But last week I left it in the balcony (covered) and forgot it for a few days. The sun did it’s work and the vendakai was already sukka -ed ! That is the background story of invention of this recipe.

What you need

• Vendakai /Okra – 250 g
• 1 big onion thinly sliced
• Ripe Tomato – a small one
• Curry leaves
• Mustard seeds
• Red chili powder
• Sambar powder
• Coriandar powder
• Turmeric powder
• Salt
• Gingely Oil or normal cooking oil

No specific measurements for spice powders, I just eye-balled them. You can add based on your palate.

How to

1. Wash and dry the vendakai for a day in open air.
2. Slice vertically into two halves after trimming the ends.
3. Heat a thick kadai or pan and add oil.
4. Add mustard seeds; Once they start spluttering add the sliced vendakai.
5. Add little salt and keep tossing to avoid burning.
6. Once the vendakai is half wilted, add onions,curry leaves, tomatoes and all the spice powders.
7. Mix well and required salt. If you find the mixture sticking to the pan, add a few drops oil oil on sides.
8. Cook for about 5-6 minutes and switch off the flame.
9. Serve with rice or roti.

What’s your favorite way of eating Vendakai/ Ladiesfinger/Okra?