Okra Puli Kuzhambu

Vendakkai/ Okra Puli kuzhambu is a popular dish in Tamilnadu where a gravy is made out of coconut and tamarind extract. It is tangy, spicy and absolutely delicious and goes well with rice.

Ingredients

Vendakkai Puli Kuzhambu

• Okra - 250 grams
• Onion - 1
• Tomato - 1
• Tamarind - 1 lemon size
• Shredded Coconut - a handful
• Garlic - 7 -8 pods
• Turmeric powder - 1/4th teaspoon
• Puli kuzhambu powder or Sambar powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - as required
• Coriander leaves - 2 -3 stems (optional)

Seasoning

• Sesame Oil or Cooking oil - 2 teaspoon
• Mustard - 1 teaspoon
• Curry leaves - 1 sprig
• Fenugreek seeds/ Vendhayam - 1 pinch
• Cumin seeds - 1 pinch (optional)

Preparation

1. Cut okra into small edible pieces, fry it in half teaspoon oil and set it aside. Extract tamarind juice from the tamarind and set it aside as well. Pour sesame oil and when hot season it with all items under seasoning.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic and fry it until it turns light brown. Now add the chopped tomatoes and fry until they are a little mushy. Then add in turmeric powder and puli kuzambu powder or Sambar powder is fine too. Fry for 30 seconds.
3. Pour the tamarind extract, add salt and allow it to boil for 3-4 minutes until the oil starts floating. Finally add the shredded coconut and cook for another 5 minutes. Check for gravy consistency. It must not be too watery or too thick.
4. Garnish with coriander leaves. It is optional.

Okra Puli Kuzhambu

1. Tip: This dish tastes good when made with Sesame oil, however, it can be made with any cooking oil. 
2. Adding shredded coconut can be taken as optional but without coconut the kuzhambu will be very watery and will taste more tangy. Reduce spice level if you decide to make it without coconut.