Bendakaya Fry

Bendakaya Fry, also known as Okra Fry or Bhindi Fry, is a simple and delicious Indian dish made with sliced okra (lady's fingers) seasoned with spices and shallow-fried until crispy.

Ingredients:

• 250 grams okra (lady's fingers)
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable oil or mustard oil)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Okra:

   • Wash the okra thoroughly under running water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
   • Trim the ends of the okra and discard. Cut the okra into 1-inch pieces or slice them lengthwise into halves, depending on your preference.

2. Season Okra:

   • In a bowl, combine the sliced okra with turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the okra evenly with the spices.

3. Shallow Fry:

   • Heat oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
   • Add the thinly sliced onions and green chilies to the pan. Saute until the onions turn translucent.

4. Add Okra:

   • Once the onions are translucent, add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan. Saute for a minute until fragrant.
   • Add the seasoned okra to the pan. Spread them out in a single layer.

5. Cook Okra:

   • Cook the okra over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and crispy on the outside. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
   • Be gentle while stirring to prevent the okra from becoming mushy.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   • Once the okra is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove the pan from heat.
   • Garnish Bendakaya Fry with fresh coriander leaves, if desired.
   • Serve hot as a side dish with rice or roti.
   • Optionally, serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the Bendakaya Fry before eating.

Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Bendakaya Fry as a delicious accompaniment to your Indian meals! Adjust the spices according to your taste preference.