Okra w/Black Seeds (Bhindi)

Okra/bhindi cooked in spices along with black seeds, green chilies, etc to add more taste & aroma. Enjoy with naan or rice pilaf.

I love okra/bhindi! Like it is really one of my most favorite vegetables on this planet and I think most Indians love bhindi and the reason for this is coz of our recipe - the way it is cooked with onions and spices. I truly don't know any Indian who does not loveeeee bhindi. Seriously.

In my recipe, I took it up a notch, or should I say I took it up couple of 'notches'...lol. I added more aromatic and powerful spices, seeds and herbs like garlic. Most won't add cumin or black seeds but I thought why not? Cumin seeds are so tasty and a great digestive whereas black seeds or kalongi are one of the most medicinal cancer fighting agents on this planet!

But is there any other benefit I got from adding these 2 along with garlic and green chilies? Oh yes!! The aroma AND the taste became much better - make the recipe and you will know what I mean. It speaks for itself.

Now, I couldn't find any organic okra (bhindi) so  I just used regular frozen one here. It's ok - once in a while and you don't have to be so health fanatic that you forget to cook the veggies you love just because one could not find an organic one! BUT only once in a while..:)

Ingredients -
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1. Okra/Bhindi (fresh or frozen - 40 oz bag I used here)
2. 3 Organic yellow onions 
3. 1 whole garlic & 3 big green chilies
4. 3 Organic tomatoes - medium

Spices and oils -

1. Organic coconut unrefined oil - 6 tablespoons
2. Turmeric - 1 heaping teaspoon
3. Organic Himalayan sea salt
4. Cayenne -1/2 Teaspoon first if you don't know or not spice lover - adjust later.
5. 1 teaspoon each - cumin/coriander/garam masala
6. Cumin seeds - 1 whole tablespoon!! 
7. Black seeds/kalongi - 1 to 1 1/2 whole tablespoon - Don't skip!!
8. Dry mango powder/amchur powder - 1/2 spoon first & 1/2 at end.

NOTE: If you don't have garam masala spice &/or dry mango powder, just omit.
Add the rest & flavor will still be there..I promise..:)

Simple steps -

Watch the video/pics for step-by-step recipe.

Compost - Plz. compost (your FREE organic fertilizer) OR if you live in apartments/condos, then just throw the ends between tall grass or bushes. Earth will be SO happy and will thank you for the extra nutrients. Plus, let's stop using plastic bags for such ridiculous reasons!

Have Dogs? Do serve to your dogs too - add plain rice in a bowl and add bit of this. Let them enjoy this fresh food too! The more fresh home-cooked food you add to Fido's diet, the healthier your dog gets. Add on!!!

Pair this with - Onion Rice w/Cilantro