Ladies Finger / Vendakka Theeyal

Ingredients

• Ladies Finger -  10
• Grated Coconut - 1/4 cup
• Green chillies - 2
• Chilli powder - 2  teaspoons
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Jeera powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Tamarind pulp - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 1/3 cup or less
• Fenugreek powder - a pinch

Seasoning

• Mustard  seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Dried Red chillies - 2
• Small onion - 1 tablespoon
• Curry leaves - few

Preparation

1.In a pan, dry roast the grated coconut, turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder and jeera powder until brown. Turn off the gas and keep aside.

2.Dissolve the tamarind pulp in 1/4 cup water and keep aside. Grind this roasted coconut with some of the tamarind water to make a smooth paste.

3.Chop the ladies finger. Heat little oil in a pan. Saute the ladies finger with a little salt. When 1/2 done, pour the ground paste and the remaining tamarind pulp and water. Cover and cook. Let everything come to good boil. Add and fenugreek powder. Check for the salt and spice.

4.In a small pan, heat little more oil for the seasoning. Splutter the mustard seeds. Add dried red chillies, curry leaves and the finely chopped onions. Fry until the onions turn golden brown and pour this seasoning over the gravy.