Saturday, September 26, 2009

Dry bhindi sabzi (Dry Okra curry with potatoes)

Okra or 'Ladies finger' as it is known in India has always been a favorite vegetable. I bought some fresh okra the other day to try out something new-'gumbo'. I had only heard about this dish and finally managed to taste it from a can!! I checked for some gumbo recipes and found so many-I had no clue which was the right one. Finally I chickened out and turned the okra into my tried and tested version. This recipe should actually have more okra than potatoes,but since I picked up just a handful (for the gumbo),I had to add in more potatoes to increase the quantity of the 'sabzi'.
Ingredients:
  • Okra/ladiesfinger: 500 gms
  • Potato: 1 small diced
  • Green chillies: 1 or 2(slit lengthwise)
  • Onion: 1/2 medium (finely chopped)
  • Tamarind paste: 1 tsp
  • Ginger: 1/2 "(finely chopped)
  • Turmeric: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper powder: 1 tsp(freshly ground)
  • Garam masala: 1 tsp
  • Salt:to taste
For the tempering(optional):
  • Mustard seeds: 1tsp
  • Cumin seeds/Zeera : 1/2 tsp
  • Sesame seeds: 1tsp
  • Curry leaves: 2-3 nos.
  • Oil: 3tsp
Method:
  1. Wash and pat dry the okra before cutting them.
  2. Heat oil in a non-stick pan, add the mustard seeds,sesame seeds and cumin seeds.
  3. When the mustard starts to sputter,add the curry leaves, turmeric powder and the chopped ginger.
  4. Fry till the ginger turns golden brown,then add the chopped onions and fry till it browns.
  5. Then add the diced potatoes and the green chillies and fry for about 5 mins,stirring constantly.
  6. Add the chopped okra, the tamarind paste,the garam masala, pepper powder and stir-fry on a medium flame, till the okra and potatoes are cooked.
  7. Add the salt and mix well.
  8. Serve with some hot chapathis/phulkas(whole wheat tortillas) or as a side dish with a plate of rice and dal.
I'm still on the lookout for a great gumbo recipe and I'd really appreciate if someone has a tried-and tested recipe which I could try out.

Question: What is your favorite okra dish?