RECIPE: _Bhindi_ with peppers

[Guest guest]

If you like fried okra and you like Indian food, this will float your

boat -- it's good, if unusual. Simmer chunks of tofu with the mixture

for the last couple of minutes for a great one-dish meal for two, with

bread and buttermilk, beer or iced tea on the side.

 

_Bhindi_ with peppers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

8-10 oz fresh okra

1 lg bell pepper, diced

1 med onion, finely chopped

2 Tbsp coconut, shredded

2 Tbsp broken-up cashew pieces

Several curry leaves if available,

OR curry powder/paste to taste

1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger

5 hot red chiles, coarsely chopped

[Ed.--I like cayennes or serranos for this]

1 tsp cumin seeds, whole

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp red or yellow lentils, uncooked (see below)

1/2 cup yogurt plus 1/4 cup sour cream,

or vegan substitutes

1/4 tsp cayenne, or to taste

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

salt to taste

1 Tbsp flour

2 Tbsp oil

 

Red or yellow lentils are worth seeking out at healthfood/wholefood

stores or Indian groceries; they cook VERY fast and look prettier than

American brownish-grey lentils.

 

Wash and wipe okra and cut off tips and bases of pods. Split

lengthwise and chop halves into 1 " pieces.

 

Grind coconut and cashews to a coarse paste in food processor

or blender.

 

Heat oil in a heavy pan. Fry okra and bell pepper till crisp. Drain

and set aside. Add seeds and lentils to hot oil and shake; they will

pop and smell nutty. Add chiles, curry leaves and ginger and

stir. Add onions and fry till lightly browned.

 

Add cayenne, turmeric, garam masala, salt and cashew-coconut

paste; saute till oil separates.

 

Blend yogurt mixture and flour to a smooth paste; add 1 cup

water. Add to the sauteed mixture and stir continuously till it

boils. Simmer for 5 minutes and adjust seasonings.

 

Add fried okra and peppers [and chunks of tofu if desired] and

boil for 2 minutes. Serve hot with rice. Makes: 3-4 servings.

Source: Adapted by me from a _bhindi_ recipe in the Femina

collection on IndiRec, http://recipes.reedsweb.net/india.htm

 

Keep on rockin',

Rain

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