Indian Stewed Okra: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

As an avid food enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the diverse culinary traditions of different cultures. One of my favorite Indian dishes is bhindi masala, which is a flavorful stew made with okra. Recently, I had the opportunity to learn how to prepare Indian-stewed okra from a close friend who is originally from India.

My friend emphasized the importance of not over-stirring the okra, as it can quickly become slimy and lose its texture. This was a valuable tip that I kept in mind while cooking the dish. The okra looked particularly appealing at the farmers' market last weekend, so I decided to take the plunge and buy some.

The key to making this recipe is to cook the okra over low heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until it's tender. You'll need to add a generous amount of butter to the pan initially, which will create a non-stick coating that prevents the okra from sticking. Once the butter has melted, turn off the heat and let the pan sit on the burner for a few minutes.

To begin, melt two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, add one large onion, diced, and sauté until it's translucent. Next, add two cloves of garlic, minced, and cook for an additional minute. Now it's time to add the okra, which should be sliced into thin rounds.

As you add the okra, make sure to stir it gently to prevent it from becoming slimy. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste at this stage. Let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the okra is tender and slightly caramelized.

Throughout the cooking process, I found myself reminiscing about my previous experiences with cooking in cast-iron skillets. There have been some memorable disasters, like when I tried to make apricot cake and the cake stuck to the skillet, or when berries burst all over the oven during baking. However, this time around, everything went smoothly, and I was thrilled with the outcome.

In conclusion, Indian-stewed okra is a simple yet flavorful recipe that's perfect for any occasion. With its rich, buttery flavor and tender texture, it's sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of India in the comfort of your own home!

Indian stewed okra