Okra Rice Recipe | Spicy Okra Rice | Vendakkai Sadham | Indian Lunch Box Recipe

It is hard to feed my kids with some vegetables and one such vegetable is Okra aka Bhendi, Vendakkai. I usually make Poriyal with Okra(Okra Poriyal) and rarely Vendakkai Sambar or Puli Kuzhambu. V suggest me to serve poriyal mixed with rice rather than as a side dish for kids. It is easy to feed them the veggies, so I often make Cabbage Rice, Carrot Rice, Spinach Rice and this time tried Okra Rice with Okra and some Indian spices. To my surprise, this simple okra rice turned out super tasty and kids loved it. I served this mildly spiced Okra Rice With Boondi Raita. Boondi Raita paired well with the Okra rice. I used Pav Bhaji masala for this rice, it tasted almost like a Tawa Pulao with Okra. Now off to the recipe..

Okra Rice Recipe

Prep Time : 10-15 minutes | Cook Time : 15 minutes

Serves 2

---

Ingredients

1. Cooked Rice   1 to 1 and 1/4 cup(I used Basmati Rice)
2. Okra/Bhendi   200 gm(cut into 1" pieces)
3. Onion  1 medium(thinly sliced)
4. Ginger  1/2 tsp(finely chopped)
5. Garlic  2 cloves(finely chopped)
6. Chilli Powder   1/4-1/2 tsp
7. Pav Bhaji Masala Powder   1/2 tsp
8. Garam Masala Powder  1/4 tsp
9. Turmeric Powder   1/4 tsp
10. Sugar  1/4 tsp(optional)
11. Salt   to taste
12. Lemon Juice  1/2 tsp(optional)
13. Cilantro   few for garnishing
14. Cashew Nut  7-8 whole nuts

To Temper

1. Oil   1/2 tbsp - 1 tbsp
2. Mustard seeds  1/4 tsp
3. Cumin seeds/Jeera  1/4 tsp
4. Fennel seeds/Sombu  1/4 tsp

Method
First cook basmati or any desired rice or miller or Quinoa and spread the cooked rice in a wide plate and allow to cool completely.
Meanwhile wash okra thoroughly, then wipe them in clean kitchen towel without any moisture.
Then chop into 1" pieces and chop onion, ginger and garlic keep ready.
Heat oil in a kadai or pan, when it is hot add cashew nuts and fry till golden brown then remove the cashew nut from oil and keep it in a plate. then add mustard seeds allow to pop then add cumin seeds, fennel seeds and let it fry well.

After that add finely chopped garlic, ginger and fry well, then add sliced onions and saute for 1-2 minutes.
Then add cut okra pieces, turmeric powder, salt, sugar and saute for 1-2 minutes.
And then cover the pan with lid and cook till it is tender.
Now and then open the lid and stir well and again cook it covered.

Once the okra turn soft but not mushy, add chilli powder, pav bhaji masala, garam masala powder and saute for another 1-2 minutes.
Then add cooked and cooled rice, stir fry well until the rice mixed with the veggie and spices.
Check for salt and add more if needed, finally add cilantro and roasted cashew nut and mix well.
Then if desired, add some lemon juice stir well. That's it...Okra Rice ready. Pack for lunch box with Boondi Raita or some fryums.
Notes:
Instead of Pav Bhaji Masala You can use any masala powder or simply use chilli, coriander, cumin, amchur powder combo.
Sugar is added to retain the green color of okra and also enhances tenderness.
To fasten the okra cooking, you can also add a tiny pinch of cooking soda/baking soda.
Along with cashew nuts you can also fry some raisins if desired.
No need to sprinkle water while cooking okra, if you feel okra turning mushy cook uncovered.