Zesty Malay Okra Salad: A Veggie Delight

Okra, known locally as "bendi" in Malay and sometimes referred to as lady’s finger, is a versatile ingredient in Malaysian cuisine. It’s often used in curries and stir-fries, which are popular dishes here. However, Ms. Nava not only grows okra but also highlights it in traditional Malay recipes (TOFU RENDANG). Growing okra can be a challenge, especially during heavy rains when the plants don’t survive, requiring her to regrow them. She leaves a couple of okras on the plant to dry naturally, later harvesting the seeds for replanting.

Now, let's talk about Malay Okra Salad, or Kerabu Bendi. One key ingredient is kerisik, which is grated coconut that's dry-fried or pan-fried and then pounded. Sometimes, I make it from scratch, but for convenience, I also buy it. I’ve also created Turmeric Kerisik (NASI KUNYIT/TURMERIC RICE), where turmeric powder is added while frying the coconut, and it can be sprinkled over salads or used in stir-fries.

I’d like to share a few recipes, starting with the classic Kerabu Bendi (Malay Okra Salad) and a variation called Ms. Nava’s Kerabu Bendi, which includes different ingredients and the addition of curry leaves. Next is Soup Ikan Bendi/Malay Fish Okra Soup (IKAN MASAK MERAH), and finally, a simple Bendi Goreng (Okra Stir Fry). These recipes are not only packed with nutrients but are also easy to prepare and enriched with local Malaysian herbs.

Kerabu Bendi (Malay Okra Salad)
Ingredients
10 okra - simmered and sliced
1 ½ tablespoons kerisik 
1 medium-sized onion - sliced
Sliced chilies - as desired
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.

Ms. Nava’s Kerabu Bendi (Okra Salad)
Ingredients
6 okra – simmered or steamed to soften, then cooled and sliced
1 chopped red chili
3 chopped shallots
¼ inch chopped ginger
2 sprigs curry leaves
Palm sugar to taste
Lime juice to taste
Salt to taste

Method
Add all ingredients to a bowl.
Mix and toss well.

Soup Ikan Bendi (Malay Okra Fish Soup)
Ingredients
1 large piece mackerel – cut into two
3 okra – cut into two
1-inch fresh turmeric – pound and extract juice
½ inch galangal – smashed
Red chilies to taste
5 garlic cloves – smashed
Salt to taste
Lime juice to taste
Water as needed

Method
Add all ingredients to a pot.
Simmer over very low heat until the fish and okra are cooked.

Bendi Tumis (Okra Stir Fry)
Ingredients
Okra – sliced (as needed)
Garlic – chopped (as needed)
Oil (as needed)
Salt to taste

Method
Heat oil in a pan, then add the okra, garlic, and salt.
Stir-fry until the okra is softened to your preferred texture.