Masala Bhindi

I am a big time Bhindi lover! Masala Bhindi [Okra cooked with Indian spices and Chickpea flour] is a humble dish which can be prepared in no time and tastes awesome.  In my house we have it atleast once in 2 weeks. There are several variations to this dish and here is my way :)

Ingredients:

Okra/Lady finger - 250 gms, washed , head and tail cut and slit at the center.

Red chilli powder - 1 tbsp (suit your taste)

Salt to taste

Coriander powder - 1 tbsp

Cumin seeds powder - 1/2 tbsp

Chickpea flour/Besan - 1/2 cup

Turmeric powder - 1 tsp

Asafoetida  - 1/2 tsp or less if you dont like it a lot.

Oil - 4 tbsp

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tbsp

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Curry leaves - 1-2 sprigs

Coriander leaves - finely chopped, for garnish

Lemon juice - 4 tbsp

Onions - 1 large, finely chopped

Method:

- Heat the oil in a large deep pan and add mustard seeds. When they splutter add cumin seeds and curry leaves

- Add Onions and saute till cooked well. Add turmeric powder, asafoetida and ginger garlice paste and saute till the raw smell is gone.

- Next add in all the dry spice powders - red chilli powder,coriander powder, cumin seeds powder and saute till oil starts leaving at the corners

- Add the okra mix well and cover it. Cook on low flame till the okra is well done.

- Now add the chickpea flour and mix really well and roast for a minute or so till the raw smell is gone.

- Finally add the lemon juice, mix and garnish with coriander leaves.

Tips:

- If you are out of lemons at home, you can always substitute it with 1 tbsp of dry mango (amchoor) powder

- If at any point you think the masala is getting burnt sprinkle some water.

- Another variation to this dish that my Peanut lover husband likes is: Substitute the chickpea flour with coarsely ground roasted peanuts. That tastes amazing too!

Healthy twist:

- Use extra virgin olive oil instead of the regular oil. Dont worry, you wont even know its olive oil, after the dish is all done. All rest the of ingredients are very nutrient and humble.

- Go with the chickpea flour over the peanut powder as it  has fewer calories than peanuts.