Vendakka (okra, ladyfinger) kichadi

Kichadi is one of the side dishes served for a Kerala sadya (feast). The vegetables used may vary from paavakka (bitter gourd) to beetroot to vendakka etc. Here I've used vendakka.

Ingredients
Ladyfinger/okra (cut into thin round slices)-20
Green Chillies-4
Curd/Yogurt-1 1/2 cup
Grated coconut-1 cup
Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves-1 sprig
Coconut Oil-for frying
Mustard Seeds-1 tsp
Dry Red Chillie -1
Salt to taste

Method
Fry the vendakka/okra slices till it is light brown & crisp and keep it aside.
Make a paste of coconut, cumin seeds, green chillies and 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (add mustard seeds at the end and just run the mixer once...it would get bitter otherwise). Now cook this coconut mixture along with 1/2 a cup of water and salt. When it starts to boil, switch off the stove and let it cool. Now add the yogurt (a little sour is better) and mix well. Season it with mustard seeds, red chilly and curry leaves.



It would be better to add the ladyfinger to this mixture just before serving to keep them crunchy. Mix well and serve as a side dish for rice.