Okra Curry Without Coconut (Kerala Style)
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Kerala with this delectable Okra Curry Without Coconut, or Vedakka Upda, a classic dish that showcases the unique spices and cooking techniques of the region. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this vegetarian curry is simple to prepare, healthy, and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or traditional Chow Chow Thoran.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Okra (Bhindi) | 200 grams, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Tamarind | A small piece, soaked in water |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coconut Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fenugreek Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Rice | 2 tablespoons, for grinding |
| Dried Red Chilies | 2, for flavor |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 150 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | Varies with salt usage |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for family meals or dinner parties.
Instructions
-
Soak the Tamarind: Begin by soaking a small piece of tamarind in a little warm water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, extract the tamarind water and set it aside for later use.
-
Roast the Spices: Heat a pan on medium flame. Add the rice, fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies to the dry pan and lightly roast them for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Once roasted, transfer the mixture to a mixer grinder and grind to a fine powder. Set this spice mix aside.
-
Cook the Okra: In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Once the oil is hot, add the asafoetida and curry leaves, sautéing for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the cut okra and sauté for 2 minutes to soften.
-
Add Water and Spices: Pour in 1 cup of water, then add the turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Cover the pan and let it simmer until the okra is cooked through, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Combine and Finish: Uncover the pan, add the ground spice mixture, and stir well. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Serve: Serve your delicious Okra Curry Without Coconut hot, ideally with a side of Chow Chow Thoran and steamed rice for a delightful dinner experience.
Enjoy the Flavors of Kerala
This Okra Curry is not only rich in flavor but also celebrates the healthy and wholesome ingredients typical of Kerala cuisine. Enjoy this dish with your family and friends, and let the taste of authentic Kerala brighten your dinner table!
