Ladies Finger Poriyal/Bhindi ki sada subzi

I am reminded of my school days where my mom always insisted on us to eat lots of vendaka. She said you will do good in maths if you had vendaka.Don't know if it did any good to our math skills but it sure did make us eat lots of rasam rice.This is a basic recipe and my favorite.Will post other variations soon. 


Prep Time:20 mins
Ingredients


Vendaka/Bhindi - 500 gms
For Tadka
Urad dhal -1 tbsp

Mustard seeds -1 tsp
Curry leaves - 10-12 leaves
Red chilies (4) or Red Chilli powder -1tsp

Oil-3 tbsp

Make it my way:

1. Heat oil in a kadai. Add Urad Dhal, mustard seeds,red chillies and curry leaves.


2. Once the mustard seeds splutter and Urad Dhal starts to changes colour (brown).


3. Add the vendaka and cook on medium flame till done.Don't stir too many times as it may make the vendaka into pieces.


4. You will know it is done when there is no more stickness.

Miram Pappu on a rainy day

Miram Pappu and Kovakai is a wonderful combination that reminds me of my childhood days when I waited for lunch time when I knew this was on the menu. A simple meal but is heavenly with steamed rice.

Prep Time: 20 mins


Ingredients

Toor Dhal - 1 cup 
Turmeric Powder- 1/2 tsp
Onion medium sized -1
Tomato large – 1
Chilly powder- 2 heaped tsps (slightly on the higher side gives a great taste)
Salt to taste


For Tadka:
Mustard seeds -1 tsp
Jeera – 1 tsp
Urad Dhal -1 tsp
Curry leaves

Coriander for Garnish

Make it my way

1. Pressure cook Toor Dhal with Turmeric powder until soft (One whistle and simmer for 2 minutes)
2. Heat Oil in a kadai add the tadka items. Once the mustard seeds splutter add the Onion. Fry till translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes. Add Chilli powder and salt.
4. Cook till tomatoes are mushy.
5. Add the Toor Dhal and bring to a boil.
6. Garnish with Coriander leaves.

Enjoy with steamed rice and a large dollop of Ghee.
Tip: I usually cook the Toor Dhal in the top container when I pressure cook the rice.For this you may need a two tiered container to place inside the pressure cooker.Saves Time :)