Okra Sambar is one of the kinds of dish  you can prepare when you need something different and easy, filling that will pair up with steamed rice and a simple stir fry. It is an ideal lunch idea for a busy day.  Okra is commonly called as ladies finger in English speaking countries. The scientific name is Abelmoschus esculentus. 

Sambar is dense and more nutritious as it has the goodness of lentils and vegetables in it. 

Bendekayi is ideal to make as a crispy  fry. My family loves all kinds of okra fry. This sambar is one of the lesser made items. But, believe me, it is tasty and a winner for those who like ladies finger.

Initially, soak the tur dal for sometime and cook it with a pinch of turmeric and oil. I prefer to soak for atleast two hours, it eases the cooking. The bhendi should be washed and dried. There should be no trace of water in it, it turns slimy. 

bendekayi sambar

What goes in the making ?

Choose tender okra. The quality of okra will either elevate or spoil the dish. Wash them and pat them dry. The bhindi should be cut evenly. This will help in proper cooking of the vegetable.

Tur Dal: I prefer to soak for atleast two hours. Add a pinch of turmeric and a little oil while cooking.

Sambar powder : I make spice mix at home. You can use any good brand of sambar powder.

Tamarind : Need to wash and soak for atleast fifteen minutes. Alternatively, you can use the tamarind extract which is readily available

Chilli powder : Check for spiciness and adjust by adding a little bit of chilli powder. The flavour should be a mixof sweet, spicy and sour.

A few other recipes with okra are :

okra with tomatoes / bhindi tamatar ki sabzi

Bharli bhendi / stuffed okra

Evergreendishesdev

Bendekayi Sambar

Ladies finger sambar makes a good and easy lunch menu. Pair it with hot steamed rice along with a stir fry for a good meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: lunch ideas, Main Course

Cuisine: karnataka

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup tur dal
• ½ teaspoon oil
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon oil
• ¼ kg tender okra
• Marble size ball of tamarind
• 2 teaspoon sambar powder
• 2 tablespoon oil
• ½ teaspoon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon asafoetida
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ¼ teaspoon fenugreek powder
• A few curry leaves

Equipment

• 1 pan
• 1 ladle
• 1 lid
• 1 pressure cooker with pan

Method

 

1. Initially, begin the prep work by soaking the tur dal in water for ateast half an hour.
2. Cut the washed okra into one inch pieces.
3. Cook the lentil with a pinch of turmeric powder and oil.
4. Saute the okra pieces in a teaspoon of oil for a couple of minutes. They should be cooked with a tinge on the edges. Put them aside.
5. In a pan, add oil. Put mustard, asafoetida and turmeric powder. As it crackles, put the okra pieces to it and let it cook for a minute.
6. Mix the lentil with a ladle, pour it into the pan. Put salt. Allow to cook for sometime.
7. Extract the pulp from the tamarind.
8. Put the tamarind extract along with sambar powder. Cook for two minutes, allow the flavours to blend on a low flame.
9. Okra Sambar is ready to serve.

Notes

Choose a tender lady finger. Cut them into appropriate sizes.
A little bit of jaggery lends a good taste.
Add a little bit of chilli powder if needed. The sambar should be flavoursome, a balance of sour, spicy, hot and a little sweetness if needed.

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bendekayi sambar

If you  ever make  Okra Sambar , take a picture and share it by tagging @foodiejayashree on Instagram and @evergreendishes on Facebook.  Subscribe to get all updates and an e-book for free.