Kerala Style Vendakkai Pachadi: A Delightful Side Dish
Introduction
Kerala Style Vendakkai Pachadi is a quintessential dish from the vibrant cuisine of Kerala, renowned for its unique flavors and textures. This dish showcases the tender crunch of okra (bhindi), blended with the richness of yogurt and the freshness of grated coconut. Perfect as a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and mixed vegetable sambar, making it an ideal option for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Okra (Bhindi) | 25 pieces |
| Green Chilies (finely chopped) | 5 pieces |
| Curd (Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Grated Coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chili (broken) | 1 piece |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 150 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 25 |
| Cooking | 40 |
| Total Time | 65 |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for roasting the okra.
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Prepare the Okra: Wash the okra thoroughly and slice them into round pieces. In a mixing bowl, add the sliced okra, salt, and 2 teaspoons of oil. Toss them well to coat evenly.
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Bake the Okra: Spread the seasoned okra on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the okra is tender and slightly crispy.
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Add Green Chilies: After the initial baking, add the finely chopped green chilies to the okra and return it to the oven for an additional 4 minutes.
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Prepare the Coconut Mixture: In a separate bowl, take the yogurt and beat it well until smooth. Next, combine the grated coconut and cumin seeds in a blender or food processor and grind them to a coarse paste.
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Make the Tempering: In a small pan, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter. After about 15 seconds, add the broken red chili and sauté for another 20 seconds, letting the flavors infuse the oil.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the ground coconut mixture and salt to the pan. Cook this mixture for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Final Assembly: Once the coconut mixture is ready, add the baked okra to the pan and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
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Incorporate Yogurt: Once cooled, gently fold in the beaten yogurt, mixing everything together to create a creamy texture.
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Serve: Transfer the Kerala Style Vendakkai Pachadi to a serving bowl. This dish is best enjoyed with mixed vegetable sambar and steamed rice, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Kerala Style Vendakkai Pachadi is not only a celebration of local ingredients but also a testament to the culinary traditions of Kerala. Its unique combination of flavors makes it a delightful addition to any meal, promising to elevate your dining experience. Enjoy this refreshing dish as part of your next family dinner, and relish the authentic taste of Kerala!
By following this comprehensive guide, you can easily recreate this flavorful pachadi at home, bringing the essence of Kerala cuisine right to your table. Happy cooking!
