Spiced Okra - Bhindi Masala

I’m not sure when I fell in love with Okra as I pretty much hated it growing up. Most people hate okra because it can be slimy sometimes. I buy the Indian okra fresh of the airplane from Bombay and prefer it’s delicate taste and texture. The trick is to almost sear the okra so it’s not slimy. This recipe is super simple and high on taste.

1 pound okra washed, tops removed and slit in half horizontally

1 pod of garlic chopped

1 medium red onion sliced

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp asafetida(hing)

½ tsp ground pepper

salt

pepper

I potato cut in cubes

2 – 3 tbsps water

Heat some oil and fry the potatoes. Remove and add the onions and garlic. When the onion is brown remove from the pan and set aside. Add a little more oil to the hot pan and add the okra. Cook this for 5 mins till the bhindi is seared and browned all over. Add the cumin, salt, pepper and asafetida. Add the potatoes and onions and mix. Add a few tbsps of water to the hot pan to produce steam, cover and cook for another 5 mins.