Crispy Okra Pachadi: South Indian Yogurt & Coconut Curry
20 minutes
1029 reads

About Crispy Okra Pachadi: South Indian Yogurt & Coconut Curry
Experience the vibrant flavors of South India with this delightful Vendakkai Pachadi, a refreshing and flavorful okra curry. This isn't your typical okra dish; it's a unique blend of crispy fried okra, creamy yogurt, aromatic coconut, and a fragrant spice tempering, creating a harmonious mix of textures and tastes.The crunchy roasted dal in the tempering adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth yogurt base, while the savory tang of the yogurt perfectly balances the richness of the coconut. It's a side dish that elevates any meal, reminiscent of a raita but with a depth of flavor that's truly special.Serve this versatile Pachadi alongside steaming hot rice, soft idlis, or crispy dosas for an unforgettable South Indian culinary experience. It's the perfect accompaniment to add a refreshing twist to your next meal.
Recipe Time & More
Prep5 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Okra
For the Coconut Paste
For the Yogurt Mixture
- 1 cup Yogurt greek yogurt recommended, thick
For the Tempering
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Gram black, split, urad dal
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds rai
- 1 Chili broken into pieces, dry, red
- 1 pinch Turmeric haldi
- 5 leaves Curry Leaves
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida hing
Instructions
Prepare the Coconut Paste
- Grind the grated coconut with a little water into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor. Set aside.
Fry the Okra
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped okra, green chili, and salt. Fry until the okra is crispy and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Combine the Yogurt Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt and the prepared coconut paste until smooth and well combined.
Add Fried Okra
- Gently fold in the cooled, fried okra into the yogurt mixture.
Make the Tempering
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small pan. Add the urad dal, mustard seeds, and dry red chili. Fry until the dal turns golden brown and the mustard seeds start to splutter. Add the curry leaves, turmeric powder, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat immediately.
Finish and Serve
- Pour the hot tempering over the okra and yogurt mixture. Gently stir to combine. Serve warm or cold as a side dish with rice, idlis, or dosas.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Vendakkai Pachadi:
- For extra crispy okra, pat the chopped okra dry with a paper towel before frying.
- If using dried coconut, soak it in warm water for about 30 minutes before grinding to make a smoother paste.
- Adjust the amount of green chili according to your spice preference. For a milder pachadi, use less or remove the seeds.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of roasted sesame oil to the tempering.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 96kcalFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.4gSodium: 1140mg
3 Comments
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Such a beautiful dish! Can’t wait to try it.
Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.
Absolutely fantastic! Thanks for the recipe.