Crispy Okra Pachadi: South Indian Yogurt & Coconut Curry

20 minutes

1029 reads

4.34 from 3 votes

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.
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Weight loss, PCOS, and Healthy Eating, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹399.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep5 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total20 minutes
Calories96 kcal
Serves3
Served AsDinnerLunch
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

For the Okra

  • 200 gm Okra fresh okra, lady's finger, washed and chopped into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 Chili finely chopped, green
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 2 tbsp Oil for frying okra

For the Coconut Paste

  • 1/2 cup Coconut freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup Water or as needed for desired consistency

For the Yogurt Mixture

  • 1 cup Yogurt greek yogurt recommended, thick

For the Tempering

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

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.
Explore Recipes by Tags curd recipessouth indian recipes

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.34 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 96kcalFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.4gSodium: 1140mg

Akum Raj Jamir
Akum Raj Jamir

A foodie and a passionate cook. Loves everything about food. I love experimenting with food in my kitchen and develop new recipes.

Articles: 153
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

3 Comments

4.34 from 3 votes

Leave a Reply