Only rarely do I find fresh vendekka in th store. If I am lucky enough to find them, I buy quite a few of them to make this fry.
About 25 to 30 fresh medium sized vendekka
Wash and trim the vendekka. Cut slits in them length wise.
2 tbsp coriander powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp dry mango powder
1/2 tsp fennel powder
1/4 tsp garam masala powder (I use home ground powder of cardamom, cloves and cinnamon that Amma prepares for me)
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
Mix all the above together with 1 tbsp of oil and stuff the vendekka with this mixture. Spread any remaining powder all over the vegetable.
Heat 4 tbsp of oil. (I use oil left over from frying pazham pori and pakodas; this adds flavour.)
Add 1 tbsp of gram flour. Fry lightly on medium flame until it starts to smell fragrant. Do not fry for long; it burns quickly. As soon as it starts to smell fragrant and starts to turn slightly brown, add the vendekka. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and stir occasionally till it is cooked.
