Vendakka Paalu (Okra in Coconut Milk Curry)
1/2 green bell pepper, seeds removed and cut into strips
2 jalapenos, seeds removed and cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 bay leaves
1 small tomato, sliced
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 cup okra, cut into bite sized pieces
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/8 teaspoon cardamom, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup coconut milk and 3 teaspoons water
This recipe is a little spicy and very creamy. It's not authentic but easy to make and delicious.
Heat 1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan.
Add bell pepper and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add jalapenos, ginger, garlic, bay leaves and saute 2 minutes.
Add turmeric, chili pepper, coriander, cumin seeds, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon and saute for 3 minutes.
Add tomato slices and raisins and saute for 3 minutes.
Add okra, mix well for about 2 minutes to coat okra with spices.
Mix in coconut milk and water, then cover pan and allow to cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes or until okra is tender. Stir once or twice during cooking. Add additional water if necessary.
Serve with rice and naan!
SO HOW'D IT GO?
Eh, this wasn't great but maybe it's because I left out the tomato and used a lot more okra (with extra coconut milk and some additional curry paste). I served it over basmati rice, and found it to be pretty mild generally.
really good! i added a large head of broccoli b/c i didn't want just okra, and adjusted the other ingredients to taste. I also omitted the bay leaf and cardamom. it was delicious. the raisins are really nice in this.
Delicious! I added spinach to mine. Thanks!