Bendakaya Pulusu / Okra stew

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb Okra, bendakaya (pat dry & cut into 1 1/2" pieces)
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 4 green chillies, slit
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 tsp Chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp extracted/Small lemon size tamarind,
• Few Curry leaves
• Chopped Cilantro
• 1 tbsp oil
• A large pinch of Asafoetida powder
• 4-6 fenugreek seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds

Method:

• Heat oil in a pan & add fenugreek seeds, after they start changing color, add mustard seeds & let them pop.
• Add curry leaves, onions, chillies & saute for a minute.
• Add okra pieces & saute for 10 mts till okra becomes soft & brown.
• Add coriander powder, chilli powder, salt & mix well.
• Add the chopped tomatoes & mix well.Cook for another 5 mts.
• Add the tamarind pulp, 2 cups water & mix well.Cover & cook on medium flame till tomatoes are done & gravy thickens.
• Heat oil in another pan & add cumin seeds, when they start to change color, add asafoetida & transfer the tempering to the stew.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro & serve.