Vendakkai kari / ladies finger stir fry is a staple in all South Indian households. It is also probably one of the most liked vegetables by most Indian kids (and adults) next to potato. I am no exception. Vendakkai kari with vathal kuzhambu rice is one of my favorite combinations! But I do not prefer slimy soft ladies fingers (okra). I like them nice and crispy, pan fried with a slight char on them. Pan fried ladies finger with just a hint of salt is so divine. They do not need a lot of spices or masalas. They just taste great on their own. Another great way of cooking Ladies finger is frying them or baking them. (which is a healthier option)
My little one shares our love for ladies finger (okra). She loves to help me as I cut them. She would dry the vegetable using a paper towel and give it to me, while I cut them. I would probably save a lot more time if I did it myself, but I like to get her involved in the kitchen. Also eating raw okras is one of her favorites 🙂 I just hope her love for okras is not a phase.
This is how I usually make ladies finger for her. I do not make it very spicy. But I still add a little bit of sambar powder, so that she is exposed to different spices. You can crank up the spices and chilly when making these for adults! Also check out the notes at the end of the recipe for tips on getting slime free ladies fingers 🙂
Ladies finger sauteed with sambar powder and turmeric usually served with rice
- 2 cups chopped ladies finger / okra / vendakkai
- 11/2 tsp olive oil (use more if you want to roast it well)
- 1/8 tsp asafoetida
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp sambar powder (can use more for a spicier version)
- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp urad dal
- salt as needed
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Heat oil in a pan and let it become hot. When hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin, urad dal, asafoetida and let the mustard seeds splutter
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Now add the chopped ladies finger, sambar powder, turmeric and mix well.
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Stir gently once in a while and cook until they become soft and become brown in the edges.
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Finally add salt and switch off the stove. Serve hot with rice.
- Adding salt in the end, makes the ladies finger less slimy.
- Also do not saute and disturb the veggie a lot as they are cooking. Stirring them once in a while is ok. The more you stir them and disturb them, the more slimier they are going to get.
- Do not over crowd the pan with too much ladies finger. You do not want them to steam and become mushy
- Some people add a tiny amount of yogurt (say 1 to 2 tsp) to reduce sliminess. Non vegans can give that a try.
- If your toddler is picky about textures, you can omit the mustard, cumin and urad dal in the recipe. Some kids do not like them in the dishes.
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