Bhindi Masala - Okra Marsala Fry

So as I told I wasn't that well yesterday. So my husband took on the job of cooking, which includes anything that is kept on a stove, including water :). Though he told he would come back from office and cook something for dinner and next day's lunch, I knew he would be the happiest if I did it all before he can. Sometimes happiness is all you feel when your life partner or best friend is happy. In my case he is both.

Coming to this recipe, I have mentioned before that Ladies Finger or Okra is my favorite vegetable any day. There are numerous traditional methods that can be used to cook Okra, but today my technique is to do a filling method. In this case I have used curd, instead you can also leave the curd and use oil and masalas instead.

There are numerous health benefits of okra, some are:

1. The slime of okra reduce blood glucose levels.
2. It is rich in Vitamin B and folate for safe pregnancy.
3. Helps to reduce kidney problems.
4. Helps with respiration.
5. Promotes healthy skin.
6. Eases motion and aids for digestive health.
7. They are low in calorie and can be eaten as a part of any diet.
8. Rich source of antioxidants and Vitamin C.
9. Rich in Vitamin A for eye health.
10. Rich in fibers, vitamins and minerals.

Serves: 2

Preparation Time: 30 mins resting time and 30 mins cooking time

Ingredients:

• 1 lb or 1/2 kg okra cut into 2 inch pieces, slit till 3/4th of length 
• 2-3 tbsp curd
• A pinch of turmeric
• A pinch of fenugreek powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp coriander powder
• salt as needed
• 2-3 tbsp oil
• 1 onion cut lengthwise
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 green chili finely chopped

Method:

• In a small bowl, add curd, to this add turmeric, fenugreek, chaat masala, red chili, cumin and coriander powders along with salt and mix well
• Fill this curd mixture into every piece of slit okra and after filling all okra let it rest in a bowl for 30 mins.
• Discard the clear slime, if any, left in the bowl after 30 mins
• In a sauce pan, heat oil. Once hot add cumin seeds and let it crackle.
• To this add onions and green chillies and fry until translucent.
• Add in the Okra and fry on medium high without closing the lid. It takes at least 20 mins to fry so be patient.
• Keep turning the okra occasionally and take care so that it is not burnt.
• Finally when there is no more sliminess, add salt and check for taste.