Simple Bhendi / Ladies Finger Bhaji (Upkari / Stir fry).

Simple Bhendi or Ladies Finger Bhaji / Upkari / Stir Fry is a common dish prepared in almost every home throughout India. We Konkani Saraswats prepare the same in a very simple way with just mustard and dry red chilly seasoning ... Tastes awesome ...

** Wash and wipe about 300 gms of bhendi well. There should be no trace of water whatsoever. Slice off the edges on both the side.

** Cut into rings of about 1 inch thick and keep them ready aside.

** In a thick bottomed kadai heat 1 tblsp of oil, when hot, lower the heat and add in 1 tsp of mustard seeds. When they begin to splutter add in 3-4 red chillies broken into pieces and a few curry leaves.

** Add in the bhendi cut into pieces, raise the heat and mix well. Keep stirring for a minute or too. The raising of heat and stir frying ensures that the bhendi does not leave in much of water and becomes sticky later on.

** Now lower the heat to minimum, cover with a tight lid and cook in its own steam for about 4-5 minutes. Now open the lid and add in salt to taste and mix well. Cover and cook till done. Stir in between once or twice to check that the bhendi does not get burnt.

** Simple Bhendi or Ladies Finger Bhaji / Upkari / Stir Fry is done and ready to be served. Serve this bhaji as an accompaniment / side dish along with other dishes and enjoy a healthy meal.