Vegetarian Okra Recipe: Kerabu Bendi (Lady Finger Salad)

Whether you call it okra or lady fingers, in our Malay language, it’s known as bendi. Even among other Malaysian races, bendi is the familiar name. This affordable vegetable is often added to curries or stir-fried. But did you know it can also be made into a salad? In Malaysia, it’s known as Kerabu Bendi - a simple, no-fuss recipe using kitchen-friendly ingredients. 

Lemongrass (serai), a favourite Malaysian herb, lends its aroma and benefits, a staple in cooking with herbs. For those who are not familiar with kerisik, it’s fresh grated coconut that’s pan roasted and pounded. This easy vegetarian okra salad delivers spice, tang, and a hint of Gula Melaka sweetness for that balanced taste.

 

Ingredients
10 okra - simmered and sliced
1 ½ tablespoons kerisik 
1 medium-sized onion - sliced
Sliced chilies - as needed
1 lemongrass - sliced
Lime juice - to taste
Salt - to taste
Palm Sugar - to taste

Method
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients.
Toss them together until well mixed.