Vendaikai Puli Kulambu

OKRA WITH TAMARIND CURRY 

Ingredients
Okra / Vendaikai / Ladys Finger -  8 to 10 small size
Sliced Onion – 1/2
Tomato – 1
Sambar Powder / Puli Kulambu Powder - 2 tbsps
Tamarind Paste – 1/4 tsp
Coconut Milk – 1/2 cup Grated coconut – 4 to 5 tbsps

Seasoning
Mustard
Cumin – 1/4 tsp
Fenu greek / Vendayam – 1/4 tsp

Method
1. Wash and wipe the okra with paper towel and cut into 11/2 inch pieces.
2. Heat little oil and fry the okra pieces and keep it aside.
3. Heat little more oil, pop mustard, cumin, fenu greek. Add the sliced onion and saute until the becomes soft.
4. Add the chopped tomato and cook until the tomato is done.
5. Add the sambar powder and fry until oil seperates out from the masala. Add the tamarind juice and a cup of water and bring it to boil.
5. Once the raw smell goes off from the kulambu and gets little thicker add the coconut milk. (if using grated coconut grind it into a smooth paste and add it ). Add water if necessary. Cover it with a lid and cook for further few minutes.
6. Finally add the fried okra and salt and cook until the veggie is done. (oil starts to come out from the kulambu) .Garnish with cilantro and serve with white rice.

Note: Take coconut milk from fresh grated coconut and try this kulambu. Makes 3 to 4 servings.