Benda Chakko ( Okra Dry Curry)

Benda Chakko is a popular konkani dish. The okras are cooked in a coconut based masala resulting in a very yummy dish. This dish is little bit on the dry side and makes a good accompaniment to rice. I got introduced to this recently from my SIL. Till then I thought it can be made only using raw jackfruit. This is specially made using overgrown (hard) okras.

Try making this simple yet delicious curry. I am sure you will love it. 

Ingredients:

• Okra (Lady's finger), small sized- 18-20
• Grated coconut, fresh/frozen- 1/2 cup
• Roasted red chillies- 4-5
• Tamarind- A small ball (gooseberry sized)
• Coriander seeds- 1 1/2 tsp
• Urad dal/Split blackgram- 2 tsp
• Jaggery- 1tsp
• Oil- 2 tsp
• Mustard seeds- 1tsp
• Curry leaves- few
• Salt- To taste

Procedure:

Wash okra and pat dry it completely using a cloth or paper towel. Then trim off its ends.

Then cut them into small pieces (1.5- 2 cm long or as desired). 

Then prepare masala.
To Prepare Masala: Fry coriander seeds and urad dal in 1/2 tsp of oil, until it turns light brown. Allow it to cool. 

Now grind grated coconut, roasted red chillies, tamarind, jaggery, salt and roasted coriander seeds, urad dal. Add little water so that all the things get well blended. Don't make the masala very fine. 

Now take a kadai and heat oil. Add mustard seeds. Once it starts to splutter, add curry leaves and the cut okra. Mix well and fry for 3-4 minutes on a medium heat.

Then add the ground masala.

Mix well until all the okra pieces get a coating of the coconut masala. Then add little water just enough to cook the okras (nearly 1/3 cup). 

Then close it with a lid and allow to cook until the okra pieces are well cooked and most of the water has evaporated. Then turn off the heat. Benda Chakko is ready!!

Serve it hot as a side dish to rice or rotis. Above measurement serves two people.