Healthy, oil-free bhindi masala

Bhindi (lady's finger or okra) masala always brings to mind a yummy dish, literally floating in oil! You must have refrained from indulging in it because of its obviously high oil-content. Not anymore. Here is a healthier, oil-free version of bhindi masala. And it tastes equally great! The trick is to cook the lady's finger in a pressure cooker before roasting them in a non-stick thick bottomed pan (kadhai). Use roasted masalas.

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

Cooking Time: 10 Minutes

Makes 4 serving

Ingredients

Lady's fingers (bhindi) 20 to 22

To be ground into a smooth paste

• Onion, roughly chopped and roasted 1
• Freshly grated coconut 2 tbsp
• Coriander (dhania) chopped 1 cup
• Sugar 4 tsp
• Ginger-green chilli paste 2 tsp
• Turmeric powder (haldi) 1 tsp
• Coriander-cumin seeds (dhania-jeera) powder 1 tbsp
• Garam masala 2 tsp
• Roasted sesame seeds (til) 2 tsp
• Lemon juice 2 tbsp
• Salt to taste

Method

1. Wash and pat dry the bhindis. Slit them lengthwise.
2. Stuff the bhindi with the prepared paste. Keep aside.
3. Pressure cook the stuffed bhindi and the remaining paste, if any, for 1 whistle.
4. Allow the steam to escape and then open the pressure cooker.
5. Heat a non-stick pan (kadhai) on a medium flame and when hot, add the bhindi and cook on a low flame for 5 to 6 minutes or till they are done.
6. Serve hot.

Here's the original bhindi masala recipe from Tarladalal