Andhra Style Vendakaya Charu Recipe (Ladies Finger Rasam)
Description:
If you’re looking for a comforting, tangy, and slightly spicy dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, then Andhra Style Vendakaya Charu, also known as Ladies Finger Rasam, is the perfect recipe to try! A traditional South Indian dish from Andhra Pradesh, this rasam has a distinctive peppery flavor combined with the rich, tangy taste of tamarind. Packed with flavor and the goodness of okra (vendakaya), tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this dish will warm you up and lift your spirits, making it the ideal choice for lunch. It’s a quick and simple recipe, ideal for those who enjoy a light yet hearty meal. Serve it with some hot steamed rice and a dollop of ghee for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Andhra Style Vendakaya Charu Recipe (Ladies Finger Rasam)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 6, cut into small pieces |
| Tomato | 2, roughly chopped |
| Pearl onions (Sambar onions) | 6, quartered |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, crushed |
| Tamarind Water | 1 cup |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | ½ teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Seasoning:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | ½ teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Methi seeds (Fenugreek seeds) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry Red Chilli | 1, broken in half |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
-
Prepare the seasoning:
Begin by heating a pressure cooker on medium flame and adding 1 teaspoon of ghee. Allow the ghee to melt and then add the mustard seeds. Wait for them to splutter, which will release their aromatic oils. Next, add the cumin seeds, methi seeds, broken dry red chillies, and curry leaves. Stir and let these ingredients crackle for a few seconds, releasing their flavors into the ghee. -
Sauté the aromatics:
Add the quartered pearl onions and crushed garlic cloves to the cooker. Sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with their enticing aroma. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your rasam. -
Combine the vegetables and spices:
Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the tamarind water to the cooker. Stir well to combine with the spices. Add the chopped tomatoes, followed by the okra (ladies finger). Stir gently, ensuring that the okra is coated with the seasoning. -
Season the rasam:
Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder (haldi), asafoetida (hing), coriander powder, and sugar to the pot. Stir the mixture well, ensuring that the spices and ingredients are evenly distributed. -
Pressure cook:
Secure the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 3 whistles on medium flame. After three whistles, turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally. This step will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. -
Serve and enjoy:
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the cooker and give the rasam a final stir. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Serve the Andhra Style Vendakaya Charu hot with freshly steamed rice and a teaspoon of ghee for that extra touch of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This Andhra-style Ladies Finger Rasam pairs wonderfully with Chettinad Beans & Cauliflower Poriyal, offering a balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. You can also enjoy it with simple steamed rice to soak up all the delicious rasam. For a complete South Indian meal, serve with some crispy papad or a side of yogurt.
Tips for the Best Vendakaya Charu:
- Okra: The okra should be fresh and tender for the best texture in your rasam. If the okra is too mature, it may become slimy while cooking.
- Tamarind Water: Adjust the tamarind concentration to your taste preferences. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, increase the tamarind water. If you want a milder tang, use less.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your heat preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, use half the amount suggested.
- Consistency: For a thicker rasam, cook it for a longer time or mash the okra gently after pressure cooking. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little water before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
This Andhra Style Vendakaya Charu (Ladies Finger Rasam) is not only comforting and flavorful but also nutritious and easy to make. With the perfect balance of spices and tamarind, it makes for a soul-satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday lunch or a cozy weekend meal, this rasam will add warmth and spice to your table.
