Bendakaya Pulusu | Tangy Andhra Lady’s Finger Stew

Bendakaya Pulusu is a dish that my father is inordinately fond of. For him it is an integral part of his childhood memories and the food made by his mother. It is a dish that I learnt from Daddy and so it is dear to me too.

Bendakaya (called Bhindi in Hindi, Okra or Lady’s Finger in English, Vendakka is Tamil) is a popular vegetable in my home. We most commonly make a stir-fry called Bendakaya Vepudu, but in special occasions may indulge in Bendakaya Perugu Pachadi or Vendakka Kichadi. Then there is this recipe for Bendakaya Pulusu.

I like Bendakaya Pulusu because if I am make this tangy, spicy stew all that is needed to complete a meal is steamed rice and some papad. Also, because this Pulusu does not use any dal/pappu, it is very light on the stomach.

How to Make Andhra Bendakaya Pulusu

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Andhra Bendakaya Pulusu | Spicy Lady Finger Curry

Aruna

This Bendakaya Pulusu is a spicy, tangy Okra stew from Andhra Pradesh. Pair it with some steamed rice and papad, and you have a complete meal!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Andhra, Indian, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 Cups Chopped Bendakaya, Okra Cut them 1" pieces
• 3/4 Cup Sliced Onions
• 1/2 Cup Cup Finely Chopped Tomato
• 1 tsp Finely Chopped Garlic Optional
• 1.5 tbsp Thick Tamarind Pulp
• 2 Cups Water
• 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• 1/4 tsp Tumeric Powder
• 1 tsp Avalu, Rai, Mustard Seeds
• 1/2 tsp Jeelakarra, Jeera, Cumin Seeds
• 1/4 tsp Menthulu, Methi Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds
• 2 tbsp Oil Sesame Oil preferred
• Salt to Taste

Instructions

 

The Preparation

• Dilute the tamarind paste in 2 cups water.
• Set aside

Making the Bendakaya Pulusus

• In a kadai, heat the oil.
• Add the mustard seeds and wait till they splutter.
• Add the cumin seeds and fenugreek seeds.
• Stir-fry till the cumin and fenugreek seeds start to change colour.
• Add the sliced onions and fry till they are transparent.
• If you are using garlic, add it now and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the bendakaya/okra pieces.
• Stir-fry till the bendakaya/okra pieces and onion just start to brown.
• Add the tomato pieces and stir-fry till the tomato pieces start to stew.
• Add the turmeric and chilli powder.
• Mix well.
• Add the tamarind water.
• Cover and cook till the bendakaya/okra pieces are cooked.
• Add salt and mix well.
• Serve with steamed rice and Saggubiyyam Vadiyalu, Pela Vadiyalu or Aviri Vadiyalu.

Keyword Andhra Lady Finger Curry, Bendakaya Pulusu

Tried this recipe?Do let me know how you liked it @aahaaram or tag #aahaaram!

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Andhra Bendakaya Pulusu