Stuffed Okra and Raita

Date: 4/10/2010
By Kartika Kumar

Stuffed Okra (this recipe can also be done with boiled potatoes)

Ingredients:

• okra slit lengthwise
• chopped coriander
• grated coconut
• sesame seeds
• a little sugar
• amchur powder
• turmeric powder
• red chili powder
• coriander powder (optional)
• salt
• lime juice
• a pinch of asafoetida powder
• mustard seeds

Method:

• Mix together the chopped coriander leaves, grated coconut, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, amchur powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder and lime juice.
• Stuff each okra with this mixture.
• Put a little oil in a non-stick pan with hing powder (asafoetida) and mustard seeds.
• When the mustard seeds splutter, add the stuffed okra. Stir gently.
• Cover the pan and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Raita:

In a glass or steel bowl, mix together:

• regular whole or skim milk yogurt
• finely chopped onions
• roasted and ground cumin power
• crushed and dried mint powder
• salt
• red chili powder
• sugar
• water soaked raisins

Optional step:
Heat a large spoonful of ghee. Add cumin seeds to the ghee. When the cumin seeds splutter, carefully light the ghee with a match, then add it into the raita. Quickly cover the raita bowl with a steel or metal lid. This adds a smoky flavor to the raita.