Sautéed Okra (Bhindi) with a Twist

Today while I was having everyday conversation with my Mom she mentioned she made Okra/Bhindi in a totally different style. The recipe sounded very simple,quick and delicious, so I also tried the same recipe and it turned out to be very yummy(at least my family loved it).

Here is the recipe for cooking enthusiasts out there:

Ingredients:

1 pinch of fenugreek seeds

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

2 tsp oil(canola/olive/vegetable)

1lb Okra/Bhindi(washed and cut )

1/2 medium red onion ( chopped lengthwise)

1 bunch(7-8) green onions( chopped)

I clove of Garlic(roughly chopped)

1 tsp turmeric powder

2.5 tsp red chilli powder( as per taste)

1 pinch fennel seeds powder(roasted)

1/2 tsp dried mint leave(fresh can be used as well)

cilantro as per taste

Salt per taste

Procedure.

Pour 1 tsp oil in a pan, wait for 1 min (or until the oil is hot) throw okra in the pan and cook it uncovered for 10 minutes until it is completely dry and soft but not overcooked. Make sure it does't get mushy or broken into small pieces.

Now empty the okra in a separate bowl. Pour remaining oil in the same pan and add fenugreek seeds in it, once they turn black add cumin seeds, garlic and onions( both green and red). Now add salt to taste and cook onion for 5-7 mins when the red onions become pinkish brown.

Now add red chilli powder(I used Kashmiri red chilli powder, since it is mild and gives nice color), turmeric powder and a pinch of fennel powder. After 5-10 seconds add mint leaves and cilantro. Mix them together and wait until cilantro wilts a little( 5 sec). Now add Okra to this and mix it very well with onions and spices. It is ready to be served with rice or bread.

So what is the twist, you may ask ?

It smells good because of fennel and mint leaves. It retains color and texture (not overcooked type). It tastes really fresh due to mint and makes it an excellent choice for lunch during summer months. A lot depends on quality of okra, don't use frozen ones, cook it within a day or two after buying fresh stock from produce shop.