Stuffed Okra or Stuffed Vendakkai or Bharwan Bhindi with a super tasty spice mix made from dry red chillies, lentils and coriander seeds and peanuts. Have it with steaming hot white rice on the side.
There are some spice mixes that can be universal. It is so all-purpose, that you will be using it in most of the recipes. One such not so widely known spice mix of the Tambrahms is this kari podi (it has nothing to with curry powder, just a homophone) I can never imagine my pantry without this in stock. It gets generously used in most of the stir fries (kari) and in araichuvitta sambhar. Also you can use this as to amend the regular sambhar or any tamarind based gravy if the sourness is more. And, if any spice mix calls for channa dahl, dhaniya and red chilli, I immediately substitute this. This spice mix's main purpose is to use it in stir fries i.e., Kari and hence the name kari podi (powder in tamil).
This is the star ingredient of my today's recipe. I have used this as a stuffing in Vendaikkai. For this recipe, one has to have small and tender okra. If the size is uniform and small, it cooks evenly and faster. If it is not tender and is tough, it become rubbery and difficult to chew when fried.
This dish is one of the best ways to eat vendakkai / Okra. Its not gooey and slimy and its a perfect balance of crispiness and softness. And for the spice lovers, you can increase the chilli and it can be paired well with dishes similar to kadhi and morkuzhambu.
Lady's Finger / Vendakkai / Okra stuffed with a spicy kari podi.
- About 20 Vendakkai | Okra (small size)
- 4-5 Tbsp Oil
- 4 Tbsp Dhaniya | Coriander seeds
- 3 Tbsp Kadalai Parupu | Channa Dahl
- 4-5 Red Chillies
- Salt to taste
- Roast the dhaniya, channa dahl and red chillies in a pan. Cool and grind it to a fine powder. Add salt to the mix.
- Wash and pat dry the Okra with a towel. Then trim the head and slit in between making it into half.
- Then stuff the spice mix in between and press it tight so that it holds.
- Heat oil in a heavy bottomed Kadai | Pan over medium low heat. Preferably a cast iron pan.
- Once the oil is hot put the okra and make sure it is not over crowded.
- Cover with a lid and cook. Keep turning it in between and cook until it becomes tender. You can also add the spice mix on top if there is any remaining.
- Serve them with mor kuzhambu rice.
Adjust the chillies as per your spice level. Also add salt a little bit more. It should be slightly salty and spicy so that you don't have to add it in the end. Even if you add it in the end it might not mix properly.
loved the lighting in the pics. the fried okras sounds very tasty and spicy
Love that second picture and okra recipe sounds yummm..
my favorite veg - looks great
Love the set up and the clicks Nisha! The recipe looks wonderful.
I love okra in all its forms, especially the stuffed ones. Lovely clicks Nisha!!
Love these darker background images. The stuffing in there looks so tempting
The clicks are awesome and love the set up..Such an interesting okra fry..
Omg such a amazing set up and love the lightening.Okra looks delicious .
Love those stuffed okras Nisha. Excellent clicks:)
The stuffed and fried okras look absolutely delicious..
Lovely setup Nisha..looks so excellent with that moody atmosphere....and I love stuffed okras..
Superb pics.. Love to know your setting.. Amazing recipe too.
That's a brilliant idea , making this podi and substituting , okra looks fantastic and the clicks are awesome ...as always Nisha.
Wow, those stuffed okra look amazing. Lovely clicks.
I too love the light and shadesee in your pictures. That one is a flavor podi. We add u rad da and coconut to our version.
Those stuffed okras are calling me, wat a super lighting Nisha, damn delicious dish.
Stuffed okra looks scrumptious!! Lovely pictures and love the lighting in the pictures.