Bindi (Okra) Masala

Okra is low in calories and is a good source nutrients including vitamin B6, vitamin C, thiamin, fiber, calcium, and folic acid. It is recommended for pregnant woman for it is rich in folic acid which is essential in the neural tube formation of the fetus. Below is a way of cooking this tasty vegetable.

Cooking time: 20 mins

Ingredients:
Okra : 1/2 Kg (1.2 Lb) (cut into 1 inch piecies or whole baby okra)
Onion : 2 (medium size cut into thin slices)
Tomatoes: 2 (chopped)
Chilly powder: ½ tsp
Coriander seeds: 1 tbsp
Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
Turmeric powder: ¼ tsp
Oil: 3 tsp
Coriander leaves
Salt to taste


Method:
Fry the onions in a deep pan with 2 spoons of oil till they turn brown
Add the diced tomatoes and mix well
Add chopped okra into the pan, add some water and fry them till they are half cooked.
Dry roast all the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and grind them
Add the ground powders, chilly powder and salt to the cooked okra
Simmer mixture on low heat for about 10 mins or till the excess water is removed
Garnish it with coriander leaves and serve it hot with roti or rice

Boondi Raitha

Ready made Boondi is available in all the India stores, so making the raitha is very simple and quick.

Cooking time: 12 mins

Ingredients
Boondi: 3 tbsp
Chili powder: ¼ tsp
Cumin powder: ½ tsp
Coriander leaves
Yogurt
Salt to taste

Method
Soak the boondi in warm water for about 10 mins
Beat the yogurt to get a smooth consistency (add a little water if required)
Add the chilly and cumin powder to the yogurt
Gently squeeze the water from the boondi and add it into the yogurt
Mix well
Garnish with coriander leaves and a pinch of chili powder
Refrigerate and serve it chill
Goes well with Roti and Rice.