Vendakka Curry (Kerala Okra in Coconut Sauce)
Okra fried until lightly crisp, then simmered briefly in a tangy coconut sauce so it stays tender and not slimy.
Made with South Indian coconut curry base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.82 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Dry the okra well with a tea towel. Wet okra turns slimy.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large non stick pan over a medium high heat. Fry the okra for 8 minutes, stirring, until the sticky strands disappear and the edges are browned. Set aside.
8 min - 3
Add the rest of the oil and the curry leaves, then the tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until broken down.
5 min - 4
Cook the basmati rice to the packet instructions.
- 5
Stir in your ready made South Indian coconut curry base (see the base recipe) and the tamarind paste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5 min - 6
Return the okra to the pan and cook for 3 minutes, just to coat. Taste for salt and serve with the rice.
3 min
Tips
- Fry okra whole or in big pieces and dry. The less you cut it, the less slime.
- Add the okra back at the end so it keeps a little bite.
- A squeeze of lime at the end adds a bright finish.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 to 2 hours. Keeps for 2 days in the fridge. The okra softens on reheating, so it is best fresh. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
How do I stop okra being slimy?
Dry it thoroughly, fry it on a high heat without crowding the pan, and add acid such as tamarind or lime. Avoid stirring it too much in liquid.
Can I use frozen okra?
Yes. Fry it from frozen in a hot pan, though it will not brown as well as fresh.
What can I serve it with?
Rice and a dal, or chapatis. It also works as a side to fish or chicken curry.
More made with south indian coconut curry base
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.