Stuffed Okra (a) Lady’s Finger (a) Bhendi

Makes: around 4 Servings of Spices Stuffed Lady’s Finger.

Ingredients:

Bhendi / Lady’s Finger 10 – 15
Red Bell Pepper 1 (optional)
Onion 1 small
Garam Masala 1/4 tsp
Oil as required
Salt to taste

Masala:

Red Chilli Powder 2 tsps
Coriander Powder 1 1/2 tsp
Cumin Powder 1/2 tsp
Dry Mango Powder 1/2 tsp
Fennel Seeds Powder 1/4 tsp
Turmeric Powder a pinch
Salt to taste

Method of preparation:

Peel, halve and thickly slice the onion.
Wash, remove stem, remove seeds and slice the red bell pepper.
Wash, pat dry, remove ends and slit the bhendi vertically keeping its ends intact.
Mix all the masala ingredients thoroughly with a tsp of oil.
Stuff each bhendi with enough masala stuffing.

Heat a tbsp of oil in a pan, add sliced red bell pepper (if using), sliced onion, stuffed bhendi and little salt.
Cook covered on medium – low flame till bhendi is soft.
Stir occasionally, sprinkle a tbsp of water and scrape off if the ingredients stick to the bottom of the pan.
Once bhendi is soft and cooked, uncover and fry till edges of red bell pepper brown a little.
Sprinkle garam masala at this stage and remove from heat.
Serve spices stuffed lady’s finger with plain steamed rice and dollop of ghee.

Notes: Make sure to cook lady’s finger well before removing from heat.

Suggestions: If lady’s finger is not cooked properly, put them back on stove, sprinkle a tbsp of water and cook covered on medium flame till soft.

Variations: Vary the masala that is stuffed inside the lady’s finger. You can also replace garam masala with chaat masala if you wish.