Okra Kali Miri Stir Fry

We first ate the okra kali miri stir fry (Ladyfinger Stir Fry) at a restaurant in Kanyakumari and I must say that black pepper compliments the okra just perfectly. As Goans, we used only grated coconut in dry preparation of lady fingers. Our method was plain and simple. But I must admit, it tastes even better this way. Serve this peppery okra with hot chappatis.

Serves: A Family of Four

Prep. Time: 15 to 20 MIns.

Cooking Time: 12 to 15 Mins.

Ingredients:

• Lady Fingers – 24 (small)
• Onions (finely chopped) – 2 medium
• Tomato (finely chopped) – 1 large
• Green Chillies (chopped) – 2 to 3
• Garlic (finely chopped) – 8 to 10 cloves (small)
• Curry Leaves – 12 to 15
• Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp.
• Black Pepper Corns (coarsely ground) – 1 tbsp.
• Oil – 1 ½ tbsp.
• Salt – ½ tsp. or to taste

Step 1:     Wash the okras well and pat dry. Cut / chop them slanting and keep aside.

Step 2:     Heat the oil in a pan. Add the cumin and sauté for a minute on medium heat till fragrant. Then add the garlic and curry leaves. Sauté for another minute and then add the onions and sauté for a minute.

Step 3:     Add the tomato, green chillies and okra and sauté on high heat for 2 minutes. The okra will turn slimy. Continue to sauté for another minute. Add salt and cook covered on low heat till the okra is cooked. Add the pepper powder and give a quick stir. Switch off the heat and leave covered for 5 minutes.