Ladies Fingers(Okra) fries

I like the name ladies fingers better than okra.It rightly describes the delicate yet enduring feminine nature that's so eminent in the wonder vegetable.The stir fried ladies finger is the one the most tasty side dish with warm roti that mom used to make for breakfast.For some reason I still could not replicate the taste of mom's stir-fry,could be the quality of the vegetable here,usually over grown and not so juicy as the ones I tasted back home.
This baked okra fries is perfect with the fresh large size Okra that is more common here.The warm fries with hot cuppa chai is a promising combo snack sure to brighten the dull cold evenings.

Recipe : Baked Spicy Lady's fingers(Okra) Fries
Ingredients
1/2 pound Fresh Okra
1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder
1/4 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander
Pinch of turmeric
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 teaspoon Canola oil or extra virgin olive oil


Method
Rinse the okra in cold water and pat dry with a kitchen towel or allow to air dry for an hour.Cut off the top and cut each Okra in 4 strips.Transfer in a large mixing bowl and combine with all the spices ,oil and salt.
Preheat Oven to 375F.Lay the okra on a baking sheet,spread evenly and prevent any overlapping.Keep a close eye on them,as these can burn easily.Bake for 8-10 minutes until crisp.Serve warm with hot Cuppa chai.

Okra Fritters

Okra is packed with so many nutrients that makes it ideal snack for Ifar(break of fast after sunset in Ramadan).Its appears like "mirchi bajji"(Chilly Fritters) from outside ,but surprisingly its a healthy stuffing of Okra.


Ingredients Needed
8 okras ,with top chopped off
2 teaspoon Chaat Masala(I used Shaan brand) or 1 teaspoon amchur powder(Dried green mango powder)
3/4 cup Gram flour(Besan)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon chilly powder
pinch of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

Method
Wash and dry the Okra. Slit the Okra across and stuff each of the okras with tangy Chaat masala or amchur powder,set aside.

Prepare the batter by sifting the flour and soda in a medium bowl. mix in the chilly powder,salt and turmeric. Add just enough water(about 3/4 cup) to make a thick batter which can hold on the Okras. Whisk to get rid of any lumps.
Heat Olive oil in deep frying pan. When the oil is medium hot(test by dropping pinch of batter,if it rises while sizzling the oil is ready) ,dip the Okra in the batter and drop in the oil. Fry about 3 at a time until lightly brown and crispy about 7-10 minutes.Sprinkle little more chaat masala on top and serve.



This is my entry for Lore's Original Recipe Event

Also for Sangeeth's Eat Healthy :Calcium Rich Event

Say OK to Okra(Okra Curry,Gumbo,Stuffed Okra)

Say OK to Okra
Love Okra for its rich source of many nutrients like calcium,potassium, vitamin A and few other including fiber and folic acid.
The stickiness of Okra is the goodness of Okra. Its helps binding excess cholesterol and toxins in body. Its fiber makes your intestines job easier and prevents constipation .Get smart and substitute Okra with the expensive fiber supplements.

Don't over cook or until its crispy. Might as well as eat french fries instead of eating okra brown and crispy. Cook on low heat and until its still green.

Ingredients you'll need are
1 lb Okra (Frozen works well too)
1/2 medium Onion chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
1 clove garlic
1/2 inch ginger root or 1/2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
11/2 tablespoon EVOO
Few curry leaves.

To make an Okra curry
Chop the Okra.
Heat oil in a non stick skillet(preferably) and add the curry leaves,chopped onions along with mustard seeds.saute for a minute before adding minced ginger and garlic . Wait few seconds to add turmeric and chilly powder along with the chopped okra. Cook a minutes without cover on medium high flame and toss them occasionally. Cover and let cook for another 15-20 minutes on medium low flame.

Serve with Rice or Flat Bread(Paratha)

To Make Okra Tomatoes(Gumbo)
Besides the above ingredients you'll need 1 big plum tomato and 1 whole onion.
Proceed by cutting okra in big slices. Similar to above method saute onions spices along with tomatoes. Then add a cup of water and okra. Simmer for few minutes before serving with rice.


Stuffed Okra

Ingredients needed
10-12 Whole Okra,with top cut (Frozen works well too)
1/2 medium Onion Sliced
1/2 cup gram flour(Besan)
1 tablespoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder or 1/2 teaspoon rasam powder.
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
11/2 tablespoon EVOO
Few curry leaves.

Method
Wash and cut the top end of okra. Let dry in a colander. Slit across to make room for stuffing.
Prepare stuffing by mixing together the gram flour and spices .Add some water to combing the flour with spice. Stuff the okra with this mixture and keep aside.

Heat oil in a non stick skillet(preferably) and add the curry leaves,stuffed okra and sliced onions.Turn occasionally ,cover and cook for about 15 minutes until okra is tender. Serve with rice or flat breads.


These three okra recipes are my entry for Sangeeth's Eat Healthy :Calcium rich Event