- Wash the arbi well and boil in enough water till they are cooked.run a knife through the arbi, it should go through smoothly but the Drain all the water and let the arbi cool a bit. Peel the arbi and cut into 1″ pieces. In a kadhai, over medium flame, heat the oil. Add the mustard seeds and wait till they splutter. Add curry leaves and stir-fry for a few seconds. Add the boiled arbi pieces and stir-fry till the pieces turn golden brown and crisp on the outside. Add the salt, turmeric and chilli powder. Mix well. Serve hot.