Spicy Okra with chickpea flour

Okra or Ladyfinger as we call it is one of my favourite vegetables since childhood. It brings back all the memories of those summer afternoons when me and my cousins would sit together and enjoy the homely Daal rice and bhindi...yeah those were some carefree days!

And now when I am in London,I would say I am lucky to get such nice okra here. Its made quite often in my kitchen as hubby just loves it,specially the spicy version which I am sharing with you all today.

There are different ways of cooking okra, stir fry,deep fry or even a curry...but I like it spicy with a touch of chickpea flour which gives a nice flavour and aroma.

Do you know that okra is an excellent source of folate,Vitamin K and Vitamin C.It is low in calories and a good source of dietary fibre. With so many nutritional benefits its great to include it in our diet.

So without much ado here's the recipe for you:

Ingredients 

400 gm Okra 

1/4 cup chickpea flour (besan)

1/2 tsp turmeric powder 

1 tsp cumin powder 

1 tbsp coriander powder 

1 tsp  amchur powder 

1 tsp garam masla

1/2 tsp red chilli powder 

1 small onion

Salt to taste
Oil

Method 

Trim the Okra and make a slit on one side.Take turmeric powder,garam masala,cumin powder,coriander powder ,amchur and red chilli in a small bowl and mix.Fill this mixture into the slits.Mix and set aside.Heat oil in a wok,add chopped onions and saute till light golden.Add chickpea flour and saute for a couple of minutes.Add stuffed okra and mix.Lower the heat,cover and cook,stirring occasionally,till the ladyfingers get cooked .Add salt and cook for a minute keeping the lid open.

Serve hot with rice or chapatis.This tastes great even with puris and parathas.

This dish keeps really well so its great for packed lunches and picnics.

Handy tips

• While purchasing okra make sure it has firm pods and should snap easily in half.The best varieties are a rich green colour. Avoid pods that are dull or blemished.
• Store in a paper bag in the warmest part of refrigerator,as temperature below 45 degrees can damage okra.Do not wash until ready to use,or it will become slimy.

Till we meet next have a spicy weekend !!!