Bendekaayi Gojju (Lady Finger in Coconut Curry)
Description:
Bendekaayi Gojju, also known as Saasive Gojju (Mustard Seeds Curry), is a delightful South Indian dish made with ladyfinger (okra) in a tangy, sweet, and spicy coconut-based curry. The dish, famous for its creamy texture, combines the flavors of roasted mustard seeds, tamarind, jaggery, and aromatic spices, creating a perfect balance. Ideal for serving with roti or rice, this curry can easily become the star of your weekday lunch or dinner spread. It’s a wholesome, vegetarian dish that’s rich in flavor and nourishment.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 1/2 kg, sliced |
| Dry Red Chillies | 3 |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies | 2, chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 3 sprigs, chopped |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 tablespoon, roasted |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Jaggery | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Instructions
-
Grind the Paste:
Begin by grinding the fresh coconut, mustard seeds, green chillies, coriander leaves, and roasted chana dal into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder. Set it aside. -
Prepare the Pan:
Heat oil in a wide, deep pan. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle, releasing their pungent aroma. -
Add Aromatics:
Add curry leaves and dry red chillies to the pan, allowing them to crisp up for an added layer of flavor. -
Cook the Ladyfinger (Okra):
Next, add the sliced bhindi (ladyfinger) to the pan. Stir-fry and roast until the sliminess of the okra is gone, and the edges begin to brown, which should take about 10-15 minutes. -
Add the Ground Paste:
Once the ladyfinger is well-cooked, add the ground coconut paste to the pan, mixing it thoroughly with the okra. Add one cup of water to the mixture and let it come to a boil. The curry will start thickening. -
Adjust Consistency:
As the curry thickens, add salt to taste, followed by another cup of water. Stir well and let it boil again until the desired thickness is achieved. -
Finish and Serve:
The creamy, flavorful Bendekaayi Gojju is now ready! Serve it hot with phulka (Indian flatbread) or steamed rice for a fulfilling meal.
Tips for the Perfect Bendekaayi Gojju:
- Ensure that you roast the ladyfinger properly to avoid any sliminess in the curry.
- You can adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less jaggery according to your preference.
- For an added kick, you can include more green chillies, or even a pinch of red chilli powder, based on your spice tolerance.
This delightful South Indian curry is not only simple to make but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Enjoy this savory, creamy curry as part of your next family meal or when you’re craving something comforting yet full of vibrant flavors!
