Okra or Bhindi as us South Asians call it, is one very common summer vegetable. It’s usually a universal favorite amongst kids and adults alike. It is also highly nutritious and is great for one’s gut too.Hence I am constantly looking for different ways to prepare this versatile veggie.
To keep track of the groceries, plan my day better and make sure the family has a variety in food to eat, I plan my meals. However, this was one rare occasion when I didn’t end up cooking what I had originally planned. I was rummaging through my pantry trying to find a packet of turmeric when I eyed the huge packet of zaatar.
I had picked it from a middle-eastern restaurant. After using it a few times in dips and such, I had conveniently forgotten all about it. A sign from heavens above maybe? Sign or not, I decided to cook my okra adding some zaatar flavor to it. And as always, my willingness to mix flavors and be adventurous in the kitchen did not disappoint. Since this fortunate change in a meal plan, I have made this recipe several times. Sharing this keeper with you.
Hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do.
Ingredients
- Okra (bhindi)-400 grams
- Tomato, chopped fine or blended coarsely-2 big sized or 3 small, approximately 1.5 cup
- White sesame- 1tablespoon
- Toasted peanuts coarsely pound- 2 tablespoons
- Zaatar Spice -2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon
- Garam Masala-1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric-1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic, minced- 1 teaspoon
- Ginger-garlic paste- 1 teaspoon
- Coriander, chopped- 2 teaspoons
- Green chilies, sliced-1 (optional)
- Oil-1 tablespoon
- Salt-1teaspoon or to taste
Instructions
- Wash and air dry the okra half an hour before preparing. Once dried, chop off the pointed top and the hard bottom. Then slice the okra vertically into two and further slice each piece into half or as desired
- Toast the white sesame in a non-stick skillet on a medium flame with constant stirring till light brown, transfer and keep aside
- In the same skillet heat oil and add minced garlic and sauté for a few seconds , then add the toasted sesame and mix well. Keeping the flame on medium all the time, add tomatoes and ginger-galic paste. Cook with occasional stirring until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
- Add garam masala, turmeric and green chilli and mix well. Cook on a medium flame for a minute then add 2 tablespoons zaatar and mix well
- Add sliced okra and mix the vegetable well with spices gently. Avoid stirring it too much and whenever you do, try doing it shaking the pan instead of the spatula
- Keep the flame to medium and cook till the okra is 70 percent done. Then add salt, mix well and increase flame to medium-high; cook for another 5 minutes stirring intermittently.
- Turn off the heat, garnish with the reserved zaatar , peanuts and coriander and serve hot with chapatis.
Notes
Okra is high in fibre and great for gut and also has anti-stress and anti-fatigue benefits. This is a great summer vegetable
[kkstarratings]
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