11/6/13

Bhindi Malai






Staring at Bhindi/Okra this morning, I was wondering what can I do differently - I came up with this recipe. Its basically a cross between Butter chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala style recipe. I thought it turned out good - but I put too much Bhindi/Okra for the amount of onion masala I had - The dish ended up having very less gravy. Perhaps next time, I would like to make this into more of a curry dish.  Let me know if you like the recipe.

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs Bhindi/Okra
1 medium red onion, finely diced
1/2 medium red onion, cut into squares
1/4 tp mustard seeds
Pinch of Fennel seeds
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 green chilli
1 medium tomato, finely choppd
1 tbp tomato paste
Paprika for color
1 to 2 tsp Shaan Tandoori BBQ Masala
1/8 cup heavy cream
Tava Fry Masala

Method:
1. Cut okra into medium big pieces.
2. Heat oil in a flat bottom non stick pan. Shallow fry the bhindi on high heat constantly moving the pan. Add salt.   The goal is to sear the okra and not just cook it. Also fry the okra in batches so as to not crowd the pan. Crowding the pan will cook the okra and make it too mushy. Towards the end of the searing process, sprinkle tava fry seasoning generously. Keep tossing the contents around.  Do not overcook the okra. Set aside. In the same pan, add a little oil and add the square cut onions. On high heat, sear the onions for 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds - when they sputter. Add the asofoetida. Add fennel seeds. Swirl the pan around. Add the chopped onions and cook till translucent. Add the tomatoes and cook for good 10 to 15 minutes adding a little water at a time. The onion and tomato paste should be completely cooked and mushy. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Let cook til oil leaves on the side. Add the cumin, coriander, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt and mix. Let cook for a few minutes. Add a little water if you need to. The masala should be thick with very little water. Add the tandoori chicken bbq masala. and mix. Add the heavy cream and stir and let cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the okra and mix well. Let cook for a few minutes. Sprinkle some paprika for color (optional) Now add the seared onions and toss the okra with it. Serve hot.