Achari Bhindi Masala (Okra dry Vegetable curry)

Bhindi (okra, ladies finger) is one of my favorite vegetables that is there in the market. I can eat it as fried fritter, in curry, as stir fry, stuffed bhindi....in any which way and I can't stop drooling over it. I came across this achari version and wanted to try it out, must say it didn't disappoint me. The joy of cooking with something(okra in this case :)) that is grown in your own vegetable patch cannot be described. The subtle taste of okra goes well with achari masala. Yogurt based version is also there but will try that some other time.

For now, lets see the recipe of this one!

Achari Bhindi Masala

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sliced ladies finger/ okra (bhindi)
• 1 cup cubed potatoes
• 3-4 tbsp oil
• 2 tsp fennel seeds (saunf)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds ( rai/sarson)
• 1/2 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
• 1/4 tsp fenugreek (methi) seeds
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 3/4 tsp chilli pwd (more if you like spicy)
• 1/4th tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander pwd
• 1 tsp amchur/mango pwd
• 2 tsp finely chopped ginger
• 3/4 cup chopped tomatoes
• salt to taste

Preparation:

• Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a non-stick pan, add the ladies finger and cook on a medium flame for 5 to 6 minutes, while tossing occasionally. Remove in a bowl and keep aside.
• In the same pan, add little more oil if needed and add cubed potatoes, cook and keep aside.
• Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil in the same non-stick pan, add the fennel seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds and asafoetida and saute on a medium flame for a few seconds.
• Add the ginger and saute on a medium flame for 30 more seconds.
• Add the tomatoes, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
• Add chilli pwd, turmeric, coriander pwd, amchur and mix well.
• Add the shallow-fried ladies finger, potatoes and salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot with Roti's.

njoY!! happY cookinG!!

Nutrition Facts:
They are a good source of many important minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium. Rich in dietary fibres and Vitamins A, K, C and folates. They make a great addition in soups, sambar curries, and in raitas.
                                                             Home grown Bhindi/Okra-->