Bhindi Masala – Spicy Okra

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb okra
• 1 1/2 tbsp oil
• Pinch of asafetida
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp mango powder (amchoor)
• 1 tbsp gram flour (besan) (optional)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped yellow bell pepper
• 2 tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper
• Salt
  

Preparation:

1. Wash the okra and pat dry. Make sure to completely dry the okra as wet okra will be sticky when cutting.
2. Cut off the both ends of the okra, and slice lengthwise in halves. Set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if seed crack right away oil is ready.
4. Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida (hing). When the cumin seeds crack, add the okra.
5. Stir for a minute and reduce the heat to medium.
6. Cover the okra for two to three minutes.
7. Remove the cover and add the coriander powder, red cayenne pepper and turmeric.
8. Next, add gram flour (besan) and continue to stir-fry until the okra is tender. Add salt, mango powder and bell peppers, and cook for another minute. Salt is added last to avoid the okra from becoming lacy.