Okra / Ladies finger in Coconut Milk Curry / Vendakka Paal Curry

Any thing with coconut is very much accepted in our place , hence this Okra curry too , addition of potatoes makes the curry thick , an accompaniment for Kerala Rice
or can be served as a side dish for Chapathi or plain bread.

Ingredients 

Okra/ Ladies Finger - 10 no's (Approx )cut 1 inch length wise.
Potatoes - 1 medium cubed
Green Chili's - 2 no's
Onion - 1 medium
Ginger and Garlic  1 tsp each finely chopped
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Coriander Powder - 2 tsp
Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp (Optional -that gives a different color)
Freshly ground Black pepper - 1 tsp
Coconut Milk - 3/4 of a tin (or else use 1 cup thin milk and 1/2 cup thick milk)
Curry Leave - 1 spring - I didn't have it :(
Fennel Seeds - 1 tsp
Cinnamon - 1 small piece
Cloves - 2 no's
Cardamom - 2 no's
Oil - 4 Tb Sp ( I used coconut oil)
Vinegar / Lime juice - 1 tsp (Optional)
Salt to taste.

Method 

*Crush the Masala/ Spices (Fennel seeds , cardamom , cloves and Cinnamon) , Keep aside.

* Heat 2 Tb Sp of oil in a pan (if possible a non stick pan) and shallow fry first the cubed potatoes , when half done add the okra/Ladies finger pieces till they are light brown out side, Keep aside.

* Heat the rest of the oil in an other pan (I used a clay pot/Madka) . Add the crushed spices to the heated oil and saute for a few seconds.

* Add the thinly sliced onion , finely chopped ginger , garlic and the slit green chili's , saute for 5 to 7 minutes till the onion turns golden brown.

* Add then the shallow fried potatoes and the Freshly ground black Pepper
  (do not add fried okra now, as it then gets over cooked)

* Mix well and then add turmeric powder , coriander powder and chili powder (If using) , stir and cook the same for 5 to 7 minutes and then add in thin coconut milk
( or else 1 cup water - if using the thick store bought coconut milk)

*When it starts to boil add the fried Okra/ Ladies finger and vinegar or lime juice (if using)
 cook for 5 minutes.

*Add then the thick coconut milk , stir to combine everything well and add the curry leaves (if using) , cook for just 2 minute after adding thick coconut milk and switch off the heat.

Okra / Ladies Finger in coconut milk gravy is now ready to be served.

Cheers
TN