Vendakka Thoran

 

This is a common easy side dish which goes with rice or chappathy. It is a typical preparation of Kerala using coconut and shallots. It can be prepared without coconut also ,using just onions and tomatoes which gives a dry but totally different product though. Here I have given the coconut preparation.

I was not into chopping ladies finger before marriage as the "aliens" popping out from it seem to discourage me from eating the product . But here seeing the baby okras available in Meijer I couldnt resist from buying and  it turned out to be very good for out type curries as well as for dry preparation. It is very cute to see too.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• Okra (Ladies finger)- 20 nos.-chopped to thin round shapes
• Shallots(Cheriya ulli) - 3
• Grated coconut - 1/4 cup
• Cumin seeds - 1/4 tablespoon
• Mustard seeds- 1/2 tablespoon
• Salt as needed
• Turmeric powder- 1/4 tablespoon
• Red chilly powder - 1/4 tablespoon

How to Prepare:

Step 1: Grind the coconut with shallots and cumin seeds.

Step 2: Heat oil in a kadai, splutter mustard seeds . Add the chopped ladies finger and saute till the stickiness goes completely. Add the turmeric powder , red chilly powder and salt and mix well. Allow it to cook for 15 minutes. Add the coconut mix and saute well . 

Step 3: Garnish with curry leaves and serve hot with rice or chappathys.