Okra in Tangy Tamarind Sauce: A Lip-Smacking Vendakkai Puli Kulambu Recipe"
Ingredients:
150g vendakkai (okra)
50g tamarind
10 shallots
10 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon urad dal (black gram lentils)
2 dried red chilies
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
Instructions:
Soak the tamarind in warm water for 10-15 minutes, extract the juice and set it aside.
Wash and chop the vendakkai into small pieces.
Peel and chop the shallots and garlic cloves.
In a pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add urad dal and fry until it turns golden brown.
Add chopped shallots, garlic, and dried red chilies. Fry until the shallots turn translucent.
Add the chopped vendakkai and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Add chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
Pour the tamarind juice and some water (as needed) and let it boil.
Reduce the flame and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vendakkai is cooked and the gravy thickens.
Serve With hot rice.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF LADY'S FINGER
Helps With Digestion: Vendakkai is high in fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and can prevent constipation.
Lowers cholesterol: Vendakkai is rich in soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Boosts immunity: Vendakkai is a good source of vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system and can help protect against infections and illnesses.
Promotes healthy skin: The vitamin C and antioxidants in vendakkai can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Regulates blood sugar: Vendakkai is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in insulin.
Supports healthy pregnancy: Vendakkai is a good source of folate, a nutrient that is important for healthy fetal development and can help prevent birth defects.
May help prevent cancer: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in vendakkai may have anti-cancer properties and may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Overall, adding vendakkai to your diet can provide a wide range of health benefits and contribute to a healthy and balanced diet.
Did You Know
why it is called lady's finger
Lady's finger is another name for okra, a green vegetable that is long and slender with a pointed tip. The name "lady's finger" is said to come from the vegetable's shape, which resembles a woman's finger. The vegetable is also sometimes called "bhindi" in Hindi, which is a word that translates to "lady's finger" in English. Okra is a nutritious vegetable that is commonly used in cooking in many parts of the world, particularly in Southern and West African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines
History Of Lady's Finger
Okra, also known as lady's finger, has a long and interesting history. It is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, and from there it spread to other parts of Africa and eventually to Asia and the Americas.
Okra has been grown and consumed for centuries, and it has been a staple food in many cultures. It was cultivated in ancient Egypt and is mentioned in texts dating back to the 12th century. Okra was also widely used in the cuisine of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
In West African cultures, okra is often used in soups and stews, and it is an important ingredient in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya in the Southern United States.
Okra was brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans, and it quickly became a popular crop in the southern United States. Today, okra is grown all over the world and is used in many different cuisines.
Okra is a nutritious vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any diet. Whether it is roasted, fried, stewed, or pickled, okra is a versatile vegetable that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries.
CULTIVATION OF LADY'S FINGER
Lady's finger, also known as okra, is a warm-season vegetable that is relatively easy to grow. Here are some basic facts about the cultivation of lady's finger:
Climate: Lady's finger grows best in warm temperatures of around 25-30°C. It is a tropical plant that prefers warm and humid conditions.
Soil: Okra prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.8. It can be grown in sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter.
Planting: Lady's finger can be grown from seeds or seedlings. Seeds should be sown directly into the soil at a depth of about 1-2 cm. Seedlings can be transplanted into the garden once they are about 15-20 cm tall.
Spacing: Okra plants should be spaced about 30-45 cm apart, with rows spaced about 90-120 cm apart.
Watering: Lady's finger needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization: Okra plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used.
Harvesting: Lady's finger is ready to harvest about 50-60 days after planting. The pods should be harvested when they are young and tender, before they become tough and woody. Harvesting should be done every 2-3 days to ensure a continuous supply of fresh pods.
Lady's finger is a relatively low-maintenance crop that is well-suited to home gardens and small-scale farms. With proper care, it can produce a bountiful harvest of tasty and nutritious pods.
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