Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Medium Nethi Beerakaya (Thai Okra or Silk Squash)
- 2 Medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Tamarind paste
- To taste Salt
Spice and Dal Mix
- 2 teaspoons Oil
- 1 tablespoon Chana dal
- 1 tablespoon Urad dal
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 3-4 Dry Red Chilies
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
Tempering (Optional but Recommended)
- 2 teaspoons Oil
- ½ teaspoon Chana dal
- ½ teaspoon Urad dal
- ½ teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 Dry red chili
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash the Nethi Beerakaya thoroughly to remove any dirt or sticky residue, then chop into small pieces. Chop the tomatoes as well and keep tamarind paste ready.
- Roast Dals and Spices: Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chana dal, urad dal, mustard seeds, dry red chilies, and sesame seeds. Roast until they turn golden brown and aromatic, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Grind the Roasted Mixture: Allow the roasted mixture to cool slightly, then grind it coarsely or finely according to preference, setting aside.
- Cook Nethi Beerakaya and Tomatoes: In the same pan, add the chopped Nethi Beerakaya and tomatoes. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and blend well together.
- Add Tamarind and Salt: Stir in 2 teaspoons of tamarind paste and salt to taste. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Ground Spice Mix: Add the ground roasted dal and spice powder to the cooked vegetable mixture. Stir well to incorporate all flavors evenly.
- Prepare Tempering: In a small pan, heat 2 teaspoons oil. Add ½ teaspoon chana dal, ½ teaspoon urad dal, ½ teaspoon mustard seeds, and one dry red chili. Fry until the dals are golden and mustard seeds splutter.
- Final Step – Tempering: Pour the tempering over the pachadi and mix gently. This enhances the aroma and taste of the chutney.
- Serve: Serve Nethi Beerakaya Pachadi fresh with steamed rice, idli, dosa, or as a side condiment in a South Indian meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of dry red chilies according to desired spice level.
- If tamarind paste is not available, you can soak a small ball of tamarind in warm water and squeeze out the juice.
- Tempering adds a traditional flavor and is highly recommended.
- Nethi Beerakaya is sticky in texture; rubbing with salt before cooking helps reduce the sliminess.
- Store leftover pachadi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chutney
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian