Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Okra Fry / Bhendi Eguru - No oil



What do you need:

1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Cumin seeds (Jeera)
1 tsp Turmeric
3 tbsp Sambhar powder
Coconut oil/ Pan spray/ Ghee (as required per preference)
1 tsp Amchur powder (if you want taginess - i love this addition)
Salt to taste
1.5 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste ( I prefer fresh ginger and garlic, throw them in the blender with a few drops of water)
Okra or Bhendi's (slit vertically just on one side)
1 tbsp Coriander Powder
2 tbsp Chili Powder (adjust to your spice level)
Coriander leaves (chopped for garnish)

Initial Prep:

  • Wash and Clean the bhendi and cut off the heads and tails and make vertical slits on one side so that you can stuff the masala
  • In a bowl, Make a smooth paste by adding water to Sambhar powder, salt, corriander powder, amchur powder (if you want tanginess), turmeric, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, garam masala if required
  • Stuff the bhendi's with the masala. 
How to make:

  • In a large non stick skillet, put the oil or the pan spray, i used ghee to enhance the flavor, just enough to help bhendi's not stick to the pan 
  • Add the chili's to the pan and fry them. (to kill the spice fry the Chili's for longer)
  • Add the bhendi's to the skillet and pour a few drops of water and close the skillet to let them steam
  • Keep checking to make sure they do not stick to the pan
  • Instead of deep frying in oil, to keep it healthy and flavorful, i keep adding water little by little so that the bhendi gets steamed and soft. You can add a little oil or  ghee and start frying.
  • Bhendi will start changing color and beautiful aroma of the bhendi will be in the air
  • Add Salt to fit your taste
  • Add coriander to garnish. 
Serve with Pulka's or chapati's!

Nutritional Facts:

  • Okra or Bhendi as we call it, contains an abundant source of potassium, Vitamins B, C; Folic acid, calcium.
  • It has a high dietary fiber and has been suggested to help manage blood sugar in cases of type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes
  • Ghee is a form of clarified butter but is filled with great health benefits
  • Ghee is rick in Vitamin A, E; K2 and CLA; a great source of energy for athletes, proved to be a great weight loss aid and is greatly used by Ayurveda medicine