9.21.2009

Spiced Okra



A few weeks back, I came across a fabulous okra dish when out with friends for Indian food. As luck would have it, the next day I found myself with a small bunch of okra at my
CSA pickup. It was as if the hand of fate was screaming at me, Okra! Okra!

Ok, ok all ready. I’ll make okra.



I am not entirely versed in okra. As in, this is my first time cooking it. So I don’t have any more words of wisdom, than a quick google search could tell you. But one of the things that stood out about the Indian dish, was that the okra had a nice crunch to it. In order to achieve this, I decided to cook the vegetable separate of the sauce. This worked wonderful, and unlike many dishes where the spices should simmer with the vegetables to ensure proper flavor, FLAVOR is one thing that this dish does not lack.

The ensuing dish, is one inspired by a
Bhindi Masala. And while, Bhindi-Masala-Made-By-Girl-Who-Has-No-Idea-How-To-Make-Bhindi-Masala, has a nice ring to it, it was just too long.

So, Spiced Okra it is.



Spiced Okra
serves 4

4 T olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 T fresh ginger, minced
2 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 t salt
1 t cumin
1 t corinader
1 t garam masala
1/2 t turmeric powder
1/2 t chili powder (or more, to taste)
10-15 okra, washed, pat dry and cut into 1/2" pieces
1 med onion, chopped
2 small green peppers, chopped
1 small handful cilantro leaves, chopped

In a large saucepan, heat 2 T olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté 3-4 minutes, until garlic begins to brown. Add tomatoes, salt, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric and chili powder. Stir well, and cook 12-15 minutes, until tomatoes completely break down. Turn off heat.

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 T olive oil over high heat. Add okra, onion and peppers. Cook, 3-5 minutes, until vegetables are just tender, stirring often. Transfer to pan with sauce and stir well. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and adjust spices, to taste. Serve over Basmati rice or with Naan.

15 comments:

jacqueline said...

I love okra and i love Bhindi masala! :D Looks soo yummie! Thanks for sharing your spiced okra! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!

Dana said...

Well, it's a testament to you and your photography that you can make even the one vegetable I truly don't like look not only edible but delicious!

Simple Daisy said...

I have never had okra! There are so many veggies out there that I have never tried! This is one dish I will have to try:)
I love your photography. I need to practice a little more~

melinda said...

i've only had okra the unhealthy way...fried. but this way looks so good, love all the spices you used. can't wait to try it.

Nicolette said...

I've never had okra either, but from your description (and of course, the photo) I would definitely try it out. Maybe it would be the first time Furniture and Design Ideas feature food photography. Who knows?

Nicolette
http://www.furnitureanddesignideas.com/

giao {kiss my spatula} said...

i've never cooked with okra either, and have always felt intimated to do so...but now, i'm inspired with this dish!

Anonymous said...

Hey Erin, I just wanted to let you know that I did a food post today and mentioned your lovely site. :)

Cookie Cutter said...

We call it lady's fingers here. Many people don't take too well to the texture but I'm absolutely fine! My mum cooks it with vege curry. Yum!

Michelle @ Find Your Balance said...

Looks really yummy. I don't know a ton about okra either, but I do know that you can use it in soups/stews as a thickener. Something about it makes liquids thicken really nicely. Maybe I'll get some in my CSA today...

Juliana said...

I love okra, although haven't had for a while, the one that you feature looks so yummie...will have to try it :-)

christy said...

i love Okra and this recipe looks amazing!!

laurel said...

Made this for dinner tonight and it was a total winner! I love okra but I've never cooked it before. It has a bad rep for being slimy, but in this dish it was crisp and fresh and lovely. Thanks for the great idea!

fresh365 said...

Laurel- So glad you enjoyed it!

Kitchen Butterfly said...

I love Okro but we eat it in such a different way at home in Nigeria. We make it into a soup to be eaten with a meal (kind of like mashed potato but not exactly). I was in London a few weeks ago and I had Okro at an Indian resturant - it was weird. I enjoyed eating it but don't know if I'll have the courage to make it at home! This looks nice though

Marisa Seguin said...

I just made this for dinner and it was fantastic! I love your blog and your beautiful photography. Thanks for sharing!