SPICY OKRA

OKRA widely called as bhindi is a very popular green vegetable among us. It is a very popular health food due to its high fiber, vitamin C and folate content. It is known as high antioxidants, great diabetic option and oftenly used as a part of weight loss diet as it is fat-free and cholesterol-free, also a good source of calcium and potassium. Okra is a versatile vegetable, may fry or roast it, make curry with it or stuff it. Very easy to cook. Try this simple but delectable okra dish.

INGREDIENTS:
1lb Okra
3/4 cup Plain Thick Curd
1/2 tsp Nigella seeds (kalonji)
1/2 tsp roasted Carom seeds (coarsely pounded)
1/2 tsp roasted Fennel seeds (coarsely pounded)
1 tsp Red Chilli powder
1 tsp Coriander powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1/3 tsp Dry mango powder (amchur)
1/2 tsp Sugar (this is not for sweetness, only for flavour)
2 tbsps Oil
1 tbsps Clarified Butter (ghee)
Salt to taste


METHOD:
Wash okra. Trim from the two ends of okra and cut into slits.

Beat curd with sugar and little salt till it turns into a smooth paste. Set aside.

Heat oil and clarified butter in a frying pan. Add nigella seeds in it. After few seconds add okras in it. Fold nicely.

Fry for 2-3 minutes. Add turmeric powder and salt in it. Saute for another 3-4 minutes till okra turn light brown. Add coriander powder, red chilli powder, dry mango powder, fennel seed's powder and carom seed's powder in it. Mix well, stir for a minute.

Add beaten curd in it and fold well.

Put the heat medium low for 4-5 minutes. Switch off the heat when okra coats with spices well.

Serve hot with roti or as a side dish with steamed rice.