Fried Bhindi (Okra / Lady Finger) Raita.

Fried Bhindi (Okra / Lady Finger) Raita........... .

Wash and wipe with a clean cloth 300 gms of lady finger / bhendi / okra. They should be completely dry. Cut them into 1/3 inch thick round slices.

Put them in a microwave dish, add in a tblsp of oil (any refined oil will do) and mix well. Microwave on high for 7-8 minutes with an interval at 4 minutes to mix in the lady finger. Repeat the process for another 5 minutes, then three and finally 1-2 minutes duration each time till brown and crispy. Remove just before they are too crispy as microwaved dishes tend to cook for 3-4 minutes after the process has been stopped too.

Beat one cup of curds to a smooth paste. Add salt to taste.

For Tempering: Heat a small kadai with 1 tblsp of oil, when hot add ½ tsp of urad dal when the color changes slightly, add ½ tsp jeera and ½ tsp rai (sasam) fry for a minute, add in 1 tsp of hing powder and 3-4 green chillies chopped into 1 inch pieces. Finally add 7-8 curry leaves mix well and pour over the curds and mix well.

To serve : Just before serving add in the crispy fried lady finger, mix them together and serve immediately as an accompaniment to dishes.

** Note :

If not using the microwave method, just deep fry the lady finger / bhendi / okra in oil till brown and crispy. Remove on an absorbent paper for the excess oil to drain off. Rest of the method same as above.