Green Fried Okra Recipe
This recipe is like any other okra recipe, except that the roasted cumin and fennel seeds give it an aromatic burst that puts it in a class apart.
Ingredients
- 250 gm okra (washed, wiped dry, chopped - double the quantity for 4 pax)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1 green chilli (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- ½ tsp cumin seeds (roasted)
- ½ tsp cumin powder (roasted)
- ¾ tsp fennel seeds
- ¼ tsp red chilli powder
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper powder (freshly ground)
- A pinch garam masala powder
- 4 curry leaves (removed from stem)
- A pinch sugar
- 2-3 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Ensure that you select slender okra, around 4 inches in length. Wash them well, pat them dry before snipping the heads and tails. Then chop them into half-inch lengths.
- Heat the oil in a non-stick pan, add the chopped onions and green chillies when the oil is sufficiently hot. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent before adding the chopped okra and fry till partially crisp. Remove the fried okra and set aside in a bowl.
- Separately season the curry leaves, tearing the leaves into bits, to emit a stronger flavour. Add the roasted cumin seeds, chopped garlic and turmeric powder. Give it a slight stir before adding the chopped tomatoes and sautéing till they are mushy. Follow this by adding spice powders and a pinch of sugar. Again sauté, under a minute, to allow the spices to engage with the tempering.
- Now add the chopped okra and stir, on medium-high heat. When it appears done, stir in some salt and check the taste.