Okra(Bhindi) Masala

             Okra or Bhindi is a popular ingredient in many cuisines across the world including Indian. Okra curry is made in a variety of ways depending on the region you are in, ranging from simple to very difficult. Today, we will see the Gujarati style of making Okra Masala.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Okra (Bhindi)
• 1 cup raw Peanuts
• 1 tbsp Red Chili powder
• 2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp Coriander seeds-Cumin seeds powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp Cumin Seeds
• Pinch of Asafoetida
• 2 tbsp Oil
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

• Wash the Okra properly and dry them on paper towel
• In the meanwhile, crush the peanuts into fine powder
• Add the salt, turmeric powder, chili powder and coriander-cumin powder

• Mix it properly and keep it aside

• Now chop the Okra as shown below.

• Just cut the Okra vertically in half, and only if they are too long cut them half horizontally
• Now, heat the oil in a pan
• Add the Asafoetida  and Cumin seeds to it
• Once the Cumin seeds start to crackle, add the chopped Okra to it and mix well
• Once they start to soften a little, add the peanut mixture to it and mix well

• Let it cook for another 5 minutes or till the Okra are properly cooked. Make sure that they are soft on bite, but not mushy
• Make sure to stir them intermittently .
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with your choice of Bread 

Tips:

• Don't cover the pan with lid while cooking Okra
• Don't add water as well else it will be become sticky and slimy 
• Before chopping Okra, make sure they are completely dry. Wet ones are very sticky while chopping
• If the curry becomes too slimy, you can add any acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar will help to reduce the sliminess