Zaiqa Cooking: Bhindi (Okra)

Growing up…. I disliked okra… I really did. The ooey, gooey slime from cutting the okra…🤢My sister loved it, and when it was cooked in my house, I asked my Ami to make an alternative meal just for me (she said “no,” btw). It was not until I became an adult that I LOVED to eat it! I promise you will, too (maybe sooner than later)! Did you know Okra has a nickname of “Lady’s Finger”? The shape they grow into resembles a human finger. Okra is known to have many health benefits for all ages. My Ami says that Okra has vitamin B6 for brain development. Vitamin K is for the bones, and vitamin C is for the skin. She says, “Okra is good for the knees, too,” and it has many more health benefits. Learn all there is to know about Okra here on Hoopla. Okra also helps the digestive system. After you try this recipe, you may also want to try to cook Okra in a new way. Kanopy has some recipes with okra in stews, baked, and even fried. Okra also aids in lowering cholesterol and regulating blood sugar. I know this because my Dadi used to make this dish every other week, especially for my Dada. Need more recipes that have okra? Head over to COSMOS and discover another recipe or two to try with Okra. Share with the family.

Recipe for 3:

Can be stored in the fridge for three days. Serve with roti/bread.

Ingredients:

Wide saute pan
1 pound of okra, cut thick
1 onion, sliced thinly
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
Olive oil
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
1 ½ teaspoon Amchur Powder (dried mango powder)
1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon of Cumin powder

Directions:

Step 1: With the help of an adult, cut the Okra into small, thick pieces (the okra shrinks when cooked). In a wide saute pan, add olive oil and turn the heat to medium. Fry the okra until light brown, but still has a bright green color.
Step 2: While the okra is frying, have an adult help you slice the onion thinly. When the Okra turns light brown, take it out of the pan and set aside. Add onions in the same oil. ***Add more oil if needed.
Step 3: While the onion is frying, have an adult chop up the tomatoes while you keep an eye on the onions so they do not burn and set aside.
Step 4: Next, add your spices to the lightly fried onion. Stir for 3-4 minutes until the onions become aromatic.
Step 5: Add your chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes become soft. Add back in your okra and cook for another 10 minutes on medium-low heat so the okra can become incorporated together as a whole.
Step 6: Serve with roti, and enjoy.