Discover the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine with our Punjabi Style Okra Masala Juju! This delightful dish transforms humble okra into a tantalizing masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. With a perfect blend of spices and a touch of culinary magic, this recipe promises to be a showstopper at your dinner table. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll find that creating this aromatic dish is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and authenticity!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g okra, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions
- Wash the okra thoroughly under running water and pat dry completely with a clean kitchen towel. Slice the okra into 1/2-inch diagonal pieces, ensuring they are moisture-free to prevent sliminess during cooking.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle and become fragrant for about 30 seconds, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Introduce chopped tomatoes, green chilies, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook the mixture until tomatoes become soft and start breaking down, creating a thick masala base.
- Add sliced okra to the pan and gently mix with the masala, ensuring each piece is coated with spices. Cook uncovered on medium-high heat to prevent okra from becoming slimy.
- Stir occasionally and cook for 15-20 minutes until okra becomes tender and slightly crisp, with a slight char on the edges. The masala should coat the okra completely.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if required. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot as a side dish with roti, paratha, or steamed rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Okra: Ensure you select fresh and firm okra pods for the best texture and flavor. Avoid any that are slimy or overly soft.
- Drying is Key: After washing the okra, make sure to dry it thoroughly. Excess moisture can lead to a slimy texture, which is what we want to avoid in this dish.
- Cook on Medium-High Heat: To achieve that perfect tender yet slightly crisp texture, cook the okra on medium-high heat and avoid covering the pan. This allows moisture to escape and prevents sliminess.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of garam masala for an extra flavor boost!
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Perfect Pairing: Serve your Punjabi Style Okra Masala Juju with warm roti, paratha, or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh coriander for an added burst of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
