Vendakka Kichadi
A creamy Kerala-style yogurt side with tender okra, coconut, and a gentle mustard kick. It balances tangy, mild, and earthy flavors beautifully, making it a lovely match for rice-based meals and festive sadya spreads.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Prepare the coconut paste.
1.Add coconut, 0.5 tsp mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and 1 green chili to a small grinder jar.2.Add water and grind to a smooth, thick paste.3.Whisk the yogurt in a bowl until smooth and set it aside. - saute · ~10 min
Cook the okra.
1.Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.2.Add the sliced okra and cook, stirring often, until the slime reduces and the pieces turn tender and lightly golden.3.Sprinkle a small pinch of the salt over the okra during cooking.TIPDry the okra really well before slicing so it cooks cleanly and does not turn sticky. - mix · ~3 min
Mix the kichadi base.
Transfer the coconut paste to a bowl with the yogurt. Add the cooked okra and the remaining salt, then mix gently until evenly combined.
- temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat the remaining 1 tbsp coconut oil in a small pan.2.Add the remaining 0.5 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter.3.Add the remaining green chili and curry leaves, then fry for a few seconds until fragrant.TIPKeep the heat moderate while tempering so the mustard pops without burning the curry leaves. - assemble · ~2 min
Finish the vendakka kichadi.
Pour the hot tempering over the yogurt and okra mixture. Mix lightly or leave the tempering on top, then let it sit for 2 minutes before serving.
- serve
Serve the kichadi at room temperature or slightly chilled.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry the okra completely before slicing; even a little moisture makes the kichadi turn slimy.
- 2Cook the okra until the edges look lightly golden, not just soft, for the cleanest texture in the yogurt.
- 3Let the sautéed okra cool slightly before mixing it into the yogurt so the curd stays smooth and doesn't split.
- 4Grind the coconut paste thick rather than loose, so the kichadi stays creamy instead of watery.
- 5Use slightly sour, thick yogurt for the classic Kerala-style tang and better body.
- 6Add the tempering just before serving if you want the curry leaves and mustard to stay especially fragrant.
- 7This keeps well chilled for several hours, but stir gently before serving because the yogurt can settle a little.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use less coconut oil and sauté the okra in a wider pan so it still dries out well with minimal sticking.
spicierSpicier
Add an extra green chili to the coconut paste or tempering for a sharper heat that stands up to rice meals.
shallot temperingShallot-tempering
Add a few thinly sliced shallots to the tempering for a sweeter, deeper finish common in many Kerala home kitchens.
veganVegan
Swap the yogurt for a thick unsweetened plant-based curd to keep the creamy, tangy style without dairy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Vegetable-Focused Side
Okra makes this a produce-rich accompaniment, adding fiber and plant compounds while keeping the dish light.
Gut-Friendly Fermented Dairy
The yogurt base can be easier to digest for many people than plain milk and adds a pleasant tang with some protein.
Good Fats from Coconut
Fresh coconut and coconut oil contribute richness, helping the kichadi feel satisfying even in a small serving.
Frequently asked questions
Wash the okra ahead of time, dry it fully, and sauté it well until the stickiness reduces and the slices turn lightly golden.



