Spicy Okra Curry - " Vendakka Puli kuzhambu " - South Indian Recipe

Spicy Okra curry - South Indian Style

Ingredients

Okra- Fresh 2 lbs
Red onions -2
Green Chili-2 Slit
Garlic -8 cloves
Tomatoes- 2

Oil- 3 tbs
Mustard seeds-pinch
Fenugreek seeds or Powder-1/2 tsp
Chili powder- 2 tsp(approx)
Coriander powder- 1 tbs
Sambar Powder-2 tsp
Curry leaves -few
Cilantro Leaves- garnish
Tamarind concentrate-1/2 tsp

To Grind

Coconut (Fresh)- 2 tbs

Prep work

• Wash dry and cut okra into 1" pieces.
• Dice the onions
• Slice the garlic cloves
• Chop the tomatoes
• If your using fresh tamarind soak in 1/4 cup of hot water
• Grind the coconut into a smooth paste  

Method

In a wok or kadai add oil deep fry the okra drain on a paper towel.(optional)

OR

In a kadai add 2-3  tbs oil saute the okra till nice and brown .

Remove from oil .

In the same kadai add 1 or 2 tsp oil add mustard seeds,wait for it to sputter add fenugreek seeds wait for it to turn slightly brown then add the diced onions,green chili.
Fry the onions till they turn golden brown, add the sliced garlic cloves and curry leaves, followed by the masala powders add a little water fry till the raw smell disappears.Add the tomatoes fry for a couple of minutes.Then add 1.5 cups water bring it to boil, you will see this curried water thicken now add the fried or sauteed okra ,tamarind pulp and the coconut paste .Check for salt and spice level.Slow cook on medium flame for another 20 minutes.

.
Optional

Using Sesame seed oil makes any tamarind curry taste even better.
Adding 1/4 tsp of  fenugreek powder ,brings out the flavor.