Spiced Okra Delight
Enjoy the rich flavors of this Spiced Okra Delight, a traditional Indian vegetable dish. Fresh okra is cooked to perfection with fragrant spices, tender onions, and tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Ideal for a wholesome vegetarian meal, this dish is perfect with steamed rice or warm chapatis.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
okra
300 g (washed, dried, topped, tailed, and cut into 1-inch pieces)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
whole cumin seed
1 teaspoon (none)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
6-8 (thinly sliced)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
ground coriander
1 teaspoon (none)
turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (none)
tomatoes
2 (peeled and chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh coriander leaves
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by soaking the okra in a large bowl filled with cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps in reducing the sliminess of the okra. After soaking, drain and pat dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. Trim the ends and chop into 1-inch pieces.
2
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide non-stick pan or wok over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds. Stir and allow them to crackle, releasing their aromas.
3
3. Add the chopped onion and thinly sliced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir fry until the onion turns translucent, about 4-5 minutes, ensuring the garlic doesn't burn.
4
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric. Fry for another minute to toast the spices, enhancing their flavors.
5
5. Add the prepared okra to the pan. Stir well to coat the okra in the spices, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the okra to become tender.
6
6. Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes along with salt to taste. Mix everything thoroughly. Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
7. Once ready, turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. Serve hot as a side dish or a main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Okra Delight?
Spiced Okra Delight is a traditional Indian vegetable dish featuring fresh okra cooked with fragrant spices, onions, and tomatoes.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Spiced Okra Delight is a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Is the dish gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How do I prevent the okra from being slimy?
Soak the okra in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat it thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel before chopping.
What size should the okra be chopped into?
The okra should be trimmed at the ends and cut into 1-inch pieces.
What kind of oil is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What spices are used in the dish?
The spices include whole cumin seeds, chili powder, ground coriander, and turmeric.
How do I prepare the garlic?
You should use 6-8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced.
How should the onions be cooked?
The chopped onion should be stir-fried with garlic for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first cooking step is heating the oil and allowing the whole cumin seeds to crackle.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for this recipe?
You need 2 tomatoes that are peeled and chopped.
How long does the okra cook initially?
The okra is cooked on low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes before adding the tomatoes.
Should the pan be covered during cooking?
Yes, the pan should be covered with a lid while the okra and tomatoes are simmering to ensure they become tender.
What is the final garnish for Spiced Okra Delight?
Garnish the dish with 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped coriander leaves.
What are the recommended side dishes for this meal?
This dish is ideal when served with steamed rice or warm chapatis.
How much okra is needed?
The recipe requires 300 grams of fresh okra.
What amount of cumin seeds is used?
Use 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds.
What is the purpose of toasting the spices?
Toasting the chili powder, coriander, and turmeric for a minute helps enhance their flavors.
How much chili powder should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
How much turmeric is required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
When is salt added to the dish?
Salt is added along with the peeled and chopped tomatoes.
How long do the tomatoes cook?
After adding tomatoes and salt, cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Can I use ground cumin instead of seeds?
The recipe specifically calls for whole cumin seeds to release specific aromas, but ground cumin can be a substitute if needed, though the flavor profile may change.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is the garlic chopped or sliced?
The garlic cloves should be thinly sliced rather than chopped.
What temperature should I use for cooking the okra?
Once the okra is added, the heat should be reduced to low.
How long is the total preparation and cooking time for the vegetables?
Excluding the 30-minute soak, the active cooking time is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Is this a spicy dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a spicy vegetable dish due to the inclusion of chili powder and other fragrant spices.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a harmonious blend of tender okra, onions, and tomatoes with a rich, spiced coating.