Easy Making Delicious Bendakaya Pulusu

Are you ready to get on on a cooking journey through the heart of Andhra Pradesh? Look no further than Bendakaya Pulusu, a traditional South Indian dish that combines the tanginess of tamarind with the crunch of okra, all wrapped up in a flavorful and spicy cook. This recipe is perfect for bachelors or anyone looking for a quick, easy, and mouth-watering meal that can be prepared with minimal to-do. Let’s check Okra in tamarind gravy and explore how you can make this delightful dish in the comfort of your home.

What is Bendakaya Pulusu?

Bendakaya Pulusu is a popular Andhra-style dish made with okra, also known as ladies’ fingers or bhindi in Hindi. “pulusu” is a type of stew or gravy commonly prepared in Telugu-speaking households.

Unlike other curries, pulusu is known for its simplicity, using fewer spices to allow the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through. This dish is delicious but also healthy and comforting, making it a staple in many South Indian homes.

Ingredients for Bendakaya Pulusu (Okra in tamarind gravy)

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

-250 gms Okra (Bendakaya): Cut into big-sized pieces.

-1 small-sized tomato: Cut into large pieces.

-2 medium-sized onions: Chopped.

-5 to 6 garlic cloves: Peeled and crushed.

-Small-sized lemon-sized tamarind: Soaked in water.

-Curry leaves: A few for added flavor.

-Spices:

  -Red chili powder: 2 teaspoons.

  -Coriander powder: 2 teaspoons.

  -Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon.

  -Salt: To taste.

-Oil: 2 tablespoons.

-Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon.

-Black gram (Urad dal): 1 teaspoon.

-Fenugreek seeds (Methi seeds): A few.

-Water: As needed.

-Optional: Coriander leaves for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Bendakaya Pulusu

Making Okra in tamarind gravy is a straight forward process that requires minimal preparation. Here’s how you can prepare this dish:

1. Prepare the Tamarind Juice:

   – Wash the tamarind once and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.

   – Squeeze the tamarind to extract its juice and discard the pulp.

2. Marinate the Okra:

   – Mix the okra pieces with coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt in a bowl.

   – Add the tamarind juice to the okra and mix well.

3. Heat the Oil:

   – In a pan, heat two tablespoons of oil over medium heat.

   – Add mustard seeds, black gram, and fenugreek seeds. Let them crackle.

4. Add Garlic and Onions:

   – Add the crushed garlic and chopped onions to the pan.

   – Saute until the onions become soft and translucent.

5. Add Tomatoes:

   – Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they become soft. Blend with the onions.

6. Add the Okra Mixture:

   – Add the marinated okra pieces to the pan and stir well.

   – Pour in enough water to cover the okra and bring to a boil.

7. Simmer and Cook:

   – Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.

   – Let the okra cook until it is tender and the gravy thickens slightly.

8. Final Touches:

   – Check the seasoning and adjust the salt or chili powder if needed.

   – Garnish with coriander leaves if desired.

9. Serve:

   – Serve the Bendakaya Pulusu hot with steaming rice, ghee, and a side of plain dal for a hearty meal.

Also check Easy Ways to Make Radish Sambar at Home

Tips and Variations

-Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh okra and tamarind will give the best flavor.

-Adjust Spices: You can adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.

-Add Potatoes: If you prefer, add diced potatoes to the pulusu for texture.

-Experiment with Vegetables: Pulusu can be made with vegetables like brinjals, bottled gourd, or eggs.

How can I make Bendakaya Pulusu spicier

To make Bendakaya Pulusu spicier, you can incorporate several adjustments to enhance its heat and flavor. Here are some tips to help you achieve a more pungent version of this dish:

1. Increase the Red Chili Powder

– Adjust the Amount: Start by adding more red chili powder. If you’re using 1 teaspoon, consider increasing it to 1.5 or 2 teaspoons, depending on your desired level of spiciness

– Use Spicier Varieties: If you prefer a milder flavor, use Kashmiri red chili powder. For a spicier version, opt for regular or hot red chili powder

 2. Add More Spicy Elements

– Green Chilies: Add a slit green chili to the tempering or sauté it with the onions for an extra kick

– Broken Red Chilies: Include broken red chilies in the tempering process to add more heat

 3. Balance Flavors

– Adjust Other Flavors: When increasing the spice level, balance the flavors by adjusting the amount of tamarind (sourness), jaggery (sweetness), and methi powder (bitterness)

– Use Methi Powder: Add a pinch of methi powder to enhance the depth of flavors and balance the spiciness

 Conclusion

Bendakaya Pulusu is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that combines the simplicity of traditional South Indian cuisine with the bold flavors of tamarind and spices.

Whether you’re a bachelor looking for a quick meal or someone eager to explore the culinary delights of Andhra Pradesh, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

So, go ahead and giveBendakaya Pulusu a try, and discover why it remains a beloved favorite in many South Indian households.