Okra in Spicy Tamarind Sauce (Vendakkaai Pulikkuzhambu)

Ingredients:

• Okra – 6 numbers
• Onion – 1
• Tomato – 1
• Garlic cloves - 5
• Tamarind – 3 Tablespoons
• Oil – 1 Tablespoon
• Mustard seeds – ¼ Teaspoon
• Fenugreek seeds – ¼ Teaspoon
• Black gram seeds - ¼ Teaspoon
• Curry leaf – 1
• Coriander leaves for garnishing
• For grinding:
• Coconut (grated) – 1 Tablespoon
• Cumin seeds – ½ Teaspoon
• Fennel seeds – ½ Teaspoon
• Poppy seeds – ½ Teaspoon
• Coriander seeds – ½ Teaspoon
• Dried red chili – 1
• Peppercorns – 6 numbers

 Method:

• Wash okra and cut them into ¼ inch pieces.
• Chop onion, tomato and garlic cloves.
• Soak tamarind in 100 ml water and extract juice.
• Dry roast and grind the ingredients (listed under for grinding) into fine paste with required amount of water.
• In a wide pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. When they pop up add fenugreek seeds and black gram seeds. Sauté till you can feel the fenugreek smell.
• Add onion and a pinch of salt. Fry till onion is slightly brown.
• Add tomato, garlic cloves, curry leaves, tamarind juice and turmeric powder.
• Mix and cook them well.
• Add ground paste, enough water and cook till it is done.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.
• Serve with steamed rice.

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