Bendakaya Vepudu | Ladies Finger Fry 

Craving something easy but full of bold South Indian flavor? Try Bendakaya Veppudu—Andhra-style ladies finger (okra) fry. This quick stir-fry gets a major upgrade from roasted peanut powder, which adds a nutty, earthy depth that makes it irresistible. It’s fast, flavorful, and a regular on Telugu household menu.

In Andhra cuisine,Vepudu means dry stir-fry. It’s made with just a few ingredients, cooked in oil until the veggies turn slightly crisp. Okra is perfect for this—it cooks quickly, absorbs spices well, and gets a protein boost when you add verusenaga podi (roasted peanut powder).

The method is simple: slice fresh okra and fry it in oil with mustard seeds, urad dal,cumin, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Add turmeric, salt, and red chili powder and coriander powder . Once the okra softens and crisps up, stir in roasted peanut powder. That’s it!

What makes this dish special isn’t just the taste—it’s how it fits perfectly into a South Indian meal. Pair it with hot rice, ghee, or pappu (dal), or rasam or curd rice and you’ve got a comforting, satisfying combo. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and easy to make vegan.

Ideal for busy days, lunchboxes, or just when you want something homemade and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple ingredients, bold taste—this dish proves you don’t need much to make something truly good.Check out the recipe for this  delicious bendakaya vepudu below.

Ingredients 

For Powder 

Roasted unsalted peanuts without skin-1/2 cup

Red chillies-2 nos

Other Ingredients

Ladies Finger (Bendakaya/ Vendakkai)-1/2 kg

Onion-2 nos chopped finely 

Garlic -10 nos chopped finely 

Green chilies -2 nos slit lengthwise

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Red chilli powder -1&1/2 tsp

Coriander powder -2 tsps

Asafoetida -1/4 tsp

Salt to taste 

Mustard seeds -1/2 tsp

Urad dal-1 tsp

Bengal gram dal -1 tsp

Cumin seeds -1/2 tsp

Red chillies -1-2 nos

Curry leaves -few

Coriander leaves-few

Oil-2 tsps

Recipe Video

Method 

👉Powder the roasted unsalted peanuts along with red chillies coarsely set aside.

👉Wash, wipe well (to remove any moisture) and cut the okra or ladies finger to desired shape set aside.

👉Heat oil in a kadai add mustard seeds, urad dal, Bengal gram dal, cumin seeds, curry leaves, red chilli and green chillies and allow it to splutter.

👉Add finely chopped garlic and onions and sauté well. 

👉Now add the ladies finger and sauté well for 10 minutes until they are 3/4 th cooked and the sliminess goes.

👉Now add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, salt and mix well and continue to cook for 5 minutes keep stirring to prevent burning.

👉Finally add the powdered peanuts and mix well and continue to cook for another 2-4 minutes.

👉Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and switch off the gas.

👉Serve hot.

Total Preparation Time-20 minutes 

Serves-4