Vendakkai thayir pachadi - or okra raita is a nutritious and filling side to sambhar or rasam that can be made in a jiffy. The protein used here is curd or yoghurt which is rich in probiotics and aids in digestion.
Use fresh curd for this recipe. You can whip this up even at the last minute when you need to add a dish to the dinner table for unexpected guests. My elder one loves bhindi / okra in most forms so obviously she polished it off. We had this once with Keerai sambhar(Greens gravy) and the next time with chinna vengaya kara kuzhambu (shallots in tangy gravy) and loved both combos.
Similar Raita / Curd based Pachadis:
Doddapatre Tambli(Raita with Karpuravalli / Mexican Mint a.k.a Indian Borage)
Vellarikai Inji Pachadi (Cucumber Ginger Raita)
So for all okra lovers out there, make this quick dish n surprise your guests.
Okra Raita - Vendakkai Thayir Pachadi
Prep time: 10 mins, cook time : 10 mins, serves : 4
Protein Source : Curd (yoghurt)
Gluten Free Side dish , Cuisine : South Indian, can be veganised
Course : Accompaniments

Ingredients:
- Okra - 100 gms (tender) - trimmed and chopped into slightly thin roundels.
- Thick yoghurt - 100 gms - whisked well (use vegan curd like rice milk curd or soy curd for a vegan version)
- Oil - 1 tbsp
- Jeera / cumin seeds - ½ tsp
- Mustard seeds - ¼ tsp
- Crushed or julienned ginger - 1 tsp
- Green chilly - 1 no
- Red chilly broken - 1 or 2
- Salt - to taste

Method
- Heat oil. Splutter mustard and cumin seeds. Add the ginger and chillies and sauté for a minute. Now add the chopped okra and fry well. Don't add any salt or water but keep sautéing on low - medium flame, uncovered for 8-10 mins till the okra shrivels and turns slightly crispy. Add ½ teaspoon additional oil if required in between. The Okra must remain crispy till the yoghurt is added.
- Turn the heat off
- Add the chopped coriander and mix well. Let the veggies cool a bit.
- Now whisk the curd well. Add the sautéed okra from the pan and mix well.
- Add salt just before serving, mix well and serve immediately
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Srivalli says
I love this Bhindi Raitha,..makes a fantastic side dish for biryanis!
Sharmila kingsly says
This is one of my staple dishes.. Love roasted bhindi with curd 🙂
Unknown says
Roasted Okra always tastes great. Okra Raitha is a bit of effort but is worth it the nutrition. Anlet Prince ( http://www.Annslittlecorner.com )
Srividhya says
My fav raita. Love it with BBB.
cookingwithsapana says
I haven't ever tried raita with okra. However we love okra so I should try this soon. Looks delicious ????
Sowmya :) says
I am forever planning to make okra raita but it always ends up in a stir fry. Your dish looks yum...will try this soon hopefully!
Kalyani says
u should try this, Sowmya ! tastes yum...
vaishali sabnani says
This raita needs to be tried , it looks stunning ! I love the way you have heavily loaded it with this tempering . Fabulous !
kitblu says
I love the ingredients but not the look of it. How would it look blended together? Any pics?
Kalyani says
Its already blended together.. the tempering is on the top... do let me know what u r looking for
Mayuri Patel says
Kalyani, nice raita. I usually make okra sabji with yogurt. Wouldn't mind an okra raita during the hot season.
Gayathri Kumar says
This was one raitha I used to eat frequently during my early days of dieting. I loved it as a snack, but this also makes a nice side dish for rice varieties.
Archana says
This is one raita that I want to make n never make. Looks yum.
Preeti says
I always heard about bhindi raita but never tried.. after your picture.. will def. Try this next time.
Priya Suresh says
I have tried okra raita couple of times and my kids love this protein rich raita to the core, well done Kalyani.
Unknown says
This okra raitha makes a nice side dish for pulaos.. lovely