Bhindi aloo sabzi (Ladies finger/ okra and potato with spice)

Lady finger (Okra) has been a part of Indian cuisine for ages. Its rich fiber content is what mainly contributes to its benefits. Doctors always suggest this vegetable for its effect in losing weight, heart disease and controlling blood sugar levels. It also improves digestion and constipation. But the problem is children do not like it for its slippery taste. Hence in this recipe potato is used so that it becomes palatable for my husband and son.

Preparation Time: - 15 min

Cooking Time: - 30~40 min depending upon how your Bhindi to be fully done.

Servings: - 4~5 persons

Ingredients:-

1. Bhindi (okra) – Around 30
2. Potato – 3 medium size
3. Onion – 1 nicely chopped
4. Garlic – 4 cloves
5. Salt to taste.
6. Turmeric powder (haldi) – 1tsp
7. Cumin powder (jeera) – 1tsp
8. Coriander powder (Dhania) – 2 tbsp
9. Chilly powder – ¼ tsp (optional)
10. Green Chilly – 2 silted
11. Tomato – 1 fine chopped
12. Sunflower/Vegetable oil – 3~4 tbsp
13. Whole cumin (jeera) – ½ tsp
14. Asafetida – ½ tsp
15. Sugar – ½ tsp (As a Bengali I love sweet).

Preparation:-

1. Clean the bhindi with running water and then chop it about 1 inch long.
   
2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into smaller pieces, wash them in running water as usual and keep them aside in a bowl.
   
3. Peel the onions and garlic cloves and then finely chop them,
   
4. Take the tomato, chop it fine. Keep all the veggies aside.
5. Now take a kadai/wok, heat the oil in high flame
6. Now turn the gas to medium flame and sprinkle some whole cumin, let it splutter.  When it becomes little brown add chopped garlic. It will produce a nice smell.
7. Add chopped onions, fry them, and sprinkle little salt on it when it is done. They should have turned pink in colour.
8. Now add the potato pieces and start frying. Stir continuously with your ladle so that it doesn’t get burnt
   
9. Add salt, turmeric powder, asafetida and chilly powder. Mix well.
10. After few minutes add okras (ladies fingers), Now stir and mix well
11. Cover it and cook in low flame for 10 minutes
12. Check if it is soft and done - add the chopped tomatoes Cook for sometime in medium flame.
13. Add cumin and coriander powder.
14. Add a little sugar to give the dish a good kick

That’s all folks. Enjoy your meal

Pour in a bowl or a dish and serve with any kind of Indian bread (Chapatis, Tandoori, etc) or with rice. It goes along with everything.

As always please feel free to comment, criticize and seek if any help is required. I am all ears.