OKRA WITH ONIONS
Complete Indian Cooking by Meena Pathak This very simple dish, known in India as bhendi do pyaaza, has become an all-time favourite in Indian restaurants. Serves four
Ingredients • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra for deep-frying • 350 g (12 oz) okra, diced • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds • 2.5 cm (1 in) piece of fresh root ginger, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, chopped • 1 green chilli, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric • 2 medium onions, sliced • 1 tomato, diced • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • juice of 1/2 lemon • salt • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander
Directions Heat the oil for deep-frying in a large heavy-based pan to 190°C (350°F). Add the diced okra and deep-fry for 5-8 minutes until it goes limp. Drain and set aside.
Heat the 2 tablespoons oil in another pan and add the cumin seeds. When they begin to crackle add the chopped ginger, chopped garlic, green chilli and ground turmeric. After 1 minute add the sliced onions. Fry over a medium heat, stirring constantly, adding a little water to prevent sticking. Add the diced tomato.
When the onions have become soft but not coloured, add the deep-fried okra and stir well. Sprinkle with ground cumin, add the lemon juice and season with salt to taste. Finally, add the chopped coriander and serve hot.
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