Okra(Vendakka) Mappas

Ingredients:    

• Okra(Vendakka) -10 to 15,sliced 1"lengthwise
• Onion -1medium,sliced
• Green chilly-2-4,slit
• Ginger-1tsp,chopped 
• Kodampuli-1 small piece
• Coriander powder- 1/2tsp
• Turmeric powder-1/4tsp
• Pepper powder- 1/2tsp
• Aniseed/fennel seed(perumjeerakam)powder-1/2tsp
• thin coconut milk-1cup
• Thick coconut milk- 1/2 cup
• Curry leaves- 2 sprigs
• Salt to taste
• Oil - 2 tbsp

Instructions:

• Clean and cut okra into thin pieces(lengthwise).Heat oil in a pan and add sliced okra and fry until they are well sauteed,for about 10 minutes .Add salt also.Keep it aside.
• Heat oil in a pan,saute onion,green chillies,chopped  ginger and curry leaves.Saute till the onions are lightly browned.
• Now add coriander powder,turmeric,pepper powder and fennel seeds powder and cook for 2-3 minutes or till the raw smell goes.Add a small piece of kudampuli also.
• Add thin coconut milk and allow it to boil. 
• Add the okra and salt and simmer till the Ladies Finger cooks and gravy thickens.Remove from heat.
• Add thick coconut milk  and allow it to warm.Make sure that not to boil after adding thick coconut milk.Garnish with some freshly ground pepper and curry leaves.It enhances the flavor of the dish.

Serve hot with plain Rice or Chapati.

Happy Cooking!!!