Spicy Okra - Bhindi Masala

Though, a fan of simple food with minimum spices, sometimes I do enjoy rich versions of food. For example, making Okra in its simplest form does not need more than 2-3 ingredients and 5 minutes of effort. But, Okra can be made very spicy and tastes just as good. I had this Okra Masala at a restaurant in San Francisco [Naan and Curry] and liked it a lot. A little bit of digging and experimenting, got me closer to the taste there. This recipe can be made when you are entertaining people and a simple vegetable as Okra can become a fun side. Try this out!

Ingredients
1. Okra - [about 3/4 pounds]
2. Onions - 2 medium
3. Tomatoes - 2 medium
4. Grated Ginger - 1 tsp
5. Pounded Garlic - 1 tsp
6. Green Chillies - 4 to 5 [or per taste]
7. Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
8. Chilly Powder - 1 tsp
9. Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
10. Garam Masala Powder - 1 tsp
11. Clove Pods - 3-4
12. Cardamom - 1"
13. Bay leaf - 1-2
14. Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
15. Oil for frying and cooking
16. Salt - per taste
17. Kasoori Methi

Method
1. Wash the okra when whole and pat dry, before cutting. Cut in small horizontal rings
2. Let the okra dry some more, till any wisp of water is dried. Fry the okra pieces in hot oil and keep aside
3. In the same oil, add the clove, cardamom, bay leaf and cumin seeds
4. When the cumin starts to splutter, add ginger-garlic. Stir till they just start turning yellow
5. Add finely cut onions to the oil and stir well, till it is golden brown
6. Add all the ground powder from 7 to 10 and Kasoori Methi. Mix well and stir continously, till the spices are done
7. Add the tomatoes (pureed) and cook for some more time.
8. Add green chillies and the Okra and mix well to the curry
9. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes
10. It will be done, when there is a smooth consistency with okra and curry

This tastes very good with hot Chapatis. Enjoy!