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