What Is Okra?
Okra is the seed pod of the Abelmoschus esculentus plant.
Its appearance is distinctive: long, slender, and tubelike, filled with tiny white seeds.
Native to Ethiopia, okra made its way to North America centuries ago through the Atlantic Slave Trade.
It’s a versatile vegetable that means different things to different people.
Culinary Uses:
Okra is commonly used in various cuisines, including Southern, Caribbean, and Indian.
It’s essential in dishes like gumbo and stews.
Some people love it for its sliminess, while others may not be fans.
The mucilage in okra acts as a natural thickener when heated, making it perfect for dishes like gumbo.
You can cook okra in various ways: frying, grilling, sautéing, or pan-roasting.
Cooking Tips:
Rinse and pat dry okra before cutting or slicing.
Slice it into rounds, lengthwise pieces, or diagonals.
To reduce slime, try soaking okra in vinegar before cooking.
High-heat methods like grilling or sautéing also work well.
Okra has a mild, grassy flavor that’s uniquely its own.
Remember, okra is a vegetable that sparks both culinary creativity and debate. Whether you love it or find it challenging, exploring its flavors is an adventure! 🍽️🌱
Bhindi Masala (Okra Masala):
Ingredients:
250 grams okra (bhindi)
3 tablespoons oil
1 cup finely chopped onions (about 1 medium-sized onion)
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste (or 1 inch ginger and 3 to 4 medium garlic cloves, crushed)
1 cup sliced or chopped tomatoes (about 1 or 2 medium-sized tomatoes)
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon amchur powder (dry mango powder, or add as required)
Salt (as required)
1/2 teaspoon crushed kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves, optional)
2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Wash and Wipe dry the whole okra thoroughly to remove any moisture.
Chop the okra into moderately sized pieces but it depends on the size of okra.
Heat the 3 table spoon oil in the pan and add 1 teaspoon of Cumin seeds and wait until it starts splattering.
Add the Chopped garlic & fry until it turn medium brown & then add the chopped onion and fry until golden brown, simultaneously we can add green or dry red chilli pods a couple off depends on the taste and fry.
Then add the Copped Okra & Stir-fry until the sticky substance breaks down and vanishes.
Add Spices but 1st Turmeric mix well for 1 min and ten add rest of the spices except salt all together and mix it well. Let the Okra (Bhindi) simmer for some time and then add tomato and simmer it for 5 to 10 mins to let the spices and okra cooked together.
Garnish with crushed kasuri methi and chopped coriander leaves.
Serve this wholesome, nutritious, and vegan Bhindi Masala with rice, chapati, or roti.
Hope you guys will like it. Do let me know the recipe and put the comments and let me know how your guys are doing it at your home.
See you soon with another recipe.