Vendakka Fry / Okra Fry / Ladies finger fry

              Desperate hours need desperate measures. After all the laundry done followed by the winter cleanings I was too exhausted to try anything harder. The December cold has already started climbing in though not as furious as it used to be. All I wanted was to curl up under a blanket and sleep off into the small hours. Couldn't even think about a long cooking session in the kitchen. It was with much laboured efforts that I managed to make my son sleep at last. I have always wondered why these toddlers are so reluctant to sleep when we adults would jump at the idea. If  only  I was a child.....

              So when the troublemaker was asleep at last I ran into the kitchen planning to throw up a very quick lunch. The side dishes are always the trouble. I leafed through my recipes for vegetarian side dishes. It was already time for the next purchase. All I had was some okras in the fridge. I cannot make curry with it because my hubby hates okra curry. So I searched for a different preparation and came to this recipe which looked quite satisfying.. and too simple. Just the thing..., I thought. At school, back in India Okras were taught as 'Lady's fingers'.. a name which hung in my memory due to its weirdness. May be that was why I always associated it with ladies and not men. And the fact that my husband hated it while I loved it, didn't quite surprise me. But I had to change my theory as I was intrigued when everything went hunky-dory with my better half when I fried it unlike the curry I used to make with it. This may be how tricks evolve... When your husband doesn't love the food you make, disguise it into another form and you would be astounded to find him eating out of your hands..( Now, keep my secret! ladies.. Don't disperse it ;) )

             Coming to the recipe...

Things you need:

Okra, washed and cut into thin slices along its length- 200g
Red chilli powder                 -    1/2 tsp
Gram flour                           -    5 tbsp
Asafoetida powder              -    a pinch
Salt                                     -    3/4 tsp
Vegetable oil

Method:

    Mix all the ingredients except oil and apply evenly over the okra slices. Deep fry it in vegetable oil and drain on a kitchen tissue. Serve hot with rice and curry.
   
Recipe courtesy: Vanitha