April 25, 2022

Bhendekayi sambar recipe - Ladies finger sambar

ladies finger sambar in a serving bowl
Ladies finger sambar recipe - Sambar is a South Indian signature dish usually served with idli, dosa, uttappa and rice. Various vegetables such as drumsticks, pumpkin, potato, brinjal, white gourd etc, are usually used for the preparation of sambar. Besides these vegetables, I also use ladies finger to prepare sambar. Ladies finger is also known as okra, bhendekayi, vendekayi, bhende or bhindi and it is my favorite vegetable.

Though there are various versions of the sambar, the recipe I have posted here is a very simple and easy one. Ladies finger is low in calories and is rich source of dietary fiber which helps in absorption of sugar from digestive system. It has anti-diabetic elements which helps to increase the production of insulin. The soluble fibre called pectin in the ladies finger helps to lower the higher level of cholesterol and prevent the heart disease.

Ladies finger is rich sources of vitamin C which is an essential nutrient that helps to protect from various diseases. Because of its health benefits, I often use ladies finger for the preparation of dishes such as bhindi masala, bhindi raita, kadai bhindibhende sukkebharli bhindi, bhende sambar etc. I have made this sambar with home made sambar powder which is very flavorful and the taste is balanced by using tamarind paste, chilli powder, sambar powder and toor dal.

Seasoning with proper ingredients such as mustard seeds, asafoetida, red chllies, curry leaves, onions etc, enhances the flavor of the sambar.  Here is the simplest and easiest method of making sambar with ladies finger.

Bhendekayi Sambar Recipe
ladies finger sambar in a serving bowl
Prep time : 20 mins
Cook time : 30 mins    
Total time : 50 mins
Recipe type : Main Course
Cuisine : Karnataka
Serves : 4
Author : Vidya Chandrahas

Ingredients 
  • 15 ladies finger / okra / bhendekayi / bhindi
  • 2 tbsp tamarind pulp
  • 2 cups cooked toor dal
  • 1 heaped tsp chilli powder
  • 2 tbsp grated fresh coconut
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 3 heaped tsp sambar powder
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt as required
For the tempering
  • 1 large sized onion, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
  • A pinch of cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp asfoetida / hing
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 5-6 broken red chillies
Method
  1. Wash and pat dry the ladies fingers. Chop off  the stem and tip, cut all the  ladies fingers into 2 -3 pieces. 
  2. Heat oil in a pan and stir the ladies fingers occasionally for 5 minutes. Transfer into a plate and set aside. 
  3. Heat oil in the same pan and add mustard seeds. When they starts spluttering, add the cumin, asafoetida, curry leaves and red chillies one by one. Saute for a while and add the onions. Saute till the onions are translucent. 
  4. Add the sambar powder, chilli powder and turmeric powder. Saute for a minute. Add the fried ladies fingers and stir for a minute. 
  5. Add the tamarind pulp and mix well. Add the coconut paste and mix. Add the cooked toor dal along with stock and mix well. Add salt and mix. 
  6. Add 3 cups of water. Cook stirring occasionally on a high flame till it comes to a boil. 
  7. Further, simmer till you get the desired consistency. Add coriander leaves and mix. Serve hot with idli, dosa, uttappa or rice.
Ladies finger sambar - step by step pictures

1.  Wash and pat dry the ladies fingers. Chop off  the stem and tip, cut all the  ladies fingers into 2 -3 pieces. Heat oil in a pan and stir the ladies fingers occasionally for 5 minutes. Transfer into a plate and set aside.
fry the ladies fingers
2.  Heat oil in the same pan and  make seasoning with mustard, cumin, asafoetida, curry leaves and red chillies. Add the onions. Saute till the onions are translucent.

3.  Add sambar powder, chilli powder and turmeric powder. Saute for a minute.
fry the onions and add all masala
4.  Add the fried ladies fingers and stir for a minute. Add the tamarind pulp and mix well.
add ladies fingers and tamarind paste
5.  Add the coconut paste and mix.
add coconut paste
6.  Add the cooked toor dal along with stock and mix well. Add salt and mix. Add 3 cups of water. Cook stirring occasionally on a high flame till it comes to a boil.

7.  Further simmer till you get the desired consistency. Add coriander leaves and mix.
boil the sambar and add cilantro
8.  Serve hot with idli, dosa, uttappa or rice.
sambar is ready to serve

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:51 PM

    Just the picture made my mouth water. Flavourful and delicious sambar.

    ReplyDelete
  2. sambar luks tasty...gud to pair vth rice...

    ReplyDelete
  3. flavorful sambar,yumm

    ReplyDelete

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