Ladys finger stuffed stir fry பொதித்த வெண்டைக்காய் வதக்கல்

Ladys finger stuffed stir fry 

பொதித்த வெண்டைக்காய் வதக்கல்

Ingredients:

Lady'finger (medium size) ( சிறிய வெனண்டைக்காய் ) - 12 - 15

Big onion ( பெரிய வெங்காயம்) - 1 big

ginger ( இஞ்சி ) - a small piece

Curry leaves ( கறிவேப்பிலை) - 1 twig

Oil ( எண்னணெய்) - 2 tbsp

for stuffing ( பொதிப்பதற்கு)

Dry red chilli ( காய்ந்த மிளகாய்) - 2 or 3 

Coriander seeds ( தனியா) - 1 tbsp

Cinnamon stick ( பட்டை) - 1 small piece

Fennel seeds ( சோம்பு) - 1/2 tsp

Shredded Coconut ( துருவிய தேங்காய்) - 2 tsp

Fried channa dhal ( பொட்டுக்கடலை) - 2 tsp

Steps:

Dry roast all the ingredients for the stuffing except the fried channa dhal. Fine powder the ingredients in a mixer.

Chop off the head of the ladys finger and slit lengthwise , remove the seeds. Do not cut into two, keep the tail end intact.

Stuff each of the ladys finger with sufficient amount of the masala.. Brush a little oil on the outside of the vegetable and keep aside.

Powder the masala. Peel, wash and fine chop the onion and ginger.

In a flat pan, add a tablespoon of oil, saute the ginger and onion until flavourful. 

On another burner heat a flat  grid/ dosai kadai, spread the stuffed vegetable and let it roast. Turn to other side slowly without spilling the stuffing.

Transfer the vegetable to the sauted onion. Give a toss to coat uniformly. Let it saute for a minute.
Remove and serve hot. 

My Notes:

ladys finger is a favourite among many. It is a vegetable used in sambar, kulambu, vathakkal, pachadi etc..not to forget the north Indian style of "okra" preparation.

Trick is to cook without it being slimy.

My experience is to cook lady's finger fresh,without refrigeration.(It should not get the moisture.) Once refrigerated, it has to be kept outside overnight so as not to get that slimy mucus thing while cutting and cooking. Best is buy, wash and dry using the kitchen towel and allow it to air dry  before cooking. 

This preparation is a good combination for rice varieties,especially curd rice. For kids you can keep one or two pieces on a chapathi and roll. Fresh lady's finger wrap is ready. ;))

Being rich in dietary fiber and with many pertinent nutritional benefits, include ladys finger once a week in your menu.