Vendakkai Pirandai Podi Sadam

“Recipes & traditions, straight from the heart.”

🧾 Introduction

Vendakkai (ladies finger/okra) is a much-loved South Indian vegetable, especially when cooked until crisp and flavorful.

In this recipe, roasted okra meets the earthy goodness of pirandai podi, sesame oil, and soft cooked rice — creating a delicious, balanced and wholesome meal perfect for lunch boxes, weekday meals, or travel food.

Every bite has crispy okra, gentle spices, and homely aroma — a comforting traditional touch!

🌟 Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Main

🧂 Ingredients

• Ladies finger (vendakkai) – 1 kg
• Raw rice – 1 cup (cooked and cooled)
• Sesame oil – as needed
• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
• Urad dal – 1 tsp
• Hing – a generous pinch
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Curry leaves – few
• Salt – as required
• Pirandai podi – generous 3 to 4 tbsp (adjust to taste)
• Ghee – 1 tsp (optional, for finishing)

🔥 Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prep Ladies Finger

1. Wash and pat dry completely — no moisture.
2. Chop into small pieces.

Step 2: Cook & Roast

1. Heat sesame oil in a heavy pan.
2. Add mustard seeds, urad dal & hing.
3. Once dal turns golden, add chopped ladies finger, salt & turmeric.
4. Mix well, cover and cook for 3–5 minutes.
5. Open lid, sauté and cook on medium-high heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring in between.

✅ Stickiness disappears within ~10 minutes
✅ Roast well till slightly crispy

Step 3: Add Spice & Rice

1. Add pirandai podi and mix gently.
2. Add cooked rice & more salt if needed.
3. Mix evenly without breaking rice.
4. Add curry leaves and 1 tsp ghee (optional).
5. Cook covered on low flame for 10–15 minutes for flavors to absorb.

Switch off and fluff before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion

• Best enjoyed warm with curd, papad or pickle
• Pack for lunch box or travel meal

💚 Nutritional Benefits

• Ladies Finger – rich in fiber, supports gut health & digestion
• Pirandai Podi – herbal goodness for bones & digestion
• Sesame Oil – heart healthy fat & great for gut
• Rice – comforting energy source for balanced meals

🧊 Storage Tips

• Stays good for up to 6 hours at room temp (ideal tiffin rice)
• Refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently

✨ For more traditional South Indian recipes, visit Sollungo Maami — where traditional taste meets homely love!

🎥 Video Tutorial