Andhra Style Bendakaya Vepudu | Crispy Andhra Bhindi Recipe

Bendakaya Vepudu, also known as Bhindi Fry or Okra Stir-Fry, is a popular South Indian dish made with okra (bendakaya or bhindi) that is sautéed with spices and often served as a side dish with rice or Indian bread. Here's a  recipe for making Bendakaya Vepudu:

Ingredients of Bendakaya Vepudu :

• 250 grams of fresh okra (bendakaya or bhindi)
• 2 tablespoons of oil (preferably vegetable oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of urad dal (black gram lentils)
• 1/2 teaspoon of chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions of making Bendakaya Vepudu:

1. Wash the okra and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Make sure they are completely dry to prevent them from becoming slimy when cooked. Trim the ends and cut them into 1-inch pieces.

2. Heat oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.

4. Add the chopped okra to the pan. Stir well to combine with the tempering.

5. Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder over the okra. Mix everything together to coat the okra with the spices.

6. Cook the okra on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Cover the pan with a lid to help the okra cook through. The okra should become tender and slightly crispy on the outside. This may take about 15-20 minutes.

7. Check for salt and adjust as needed. Continue to cook until the okra is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

8. Once the okra is cooked, you can garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.

9. Remove from heat and serve hot as a side dish with rice or Indian bread.

Bendakaya Vepudu is a flavorful and slightly spicy dish with a wonderful combination of textures. It's a popular choice for a vegetarian meal and showcases the unique flavor of okra. Enjoy!

Country of origin- India

State- Andhra Pradesh