Okra Sabji

by | Nov 2, 2011 | Gluten Free, Gujarati Food, Indian Food, Low Glycemic Recipes, Punjabi Food, Quick Recipes, Stir-Fry Vegetables / Subjis, Vegan

Okra is a very healthy vegetable.  It is also known as “lady finger” or “gumbo.”  It is a highly nutritious pod vegetable that is grown in the tropical and warm regions of the world.  The plant bears many dark green pods 2-6 inches in length.  It is used a lot in Southern cooking here in the United States and in India it is also very popular, as in this recipe for Okra Sabji. 



Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3

Ingredients:

1    Lb. Okra, washed, dried & cut
Salt to taste
1    Tsp Cumin Powder
1    Tsp Corriander Powder
1/2 Tsp Chili Powder
3    TBsp Olive Oil
1    Pinch Astofedia (optional)
    

Directions:

  1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil on low.
  2. Add the okra and stir fry for couple of minutes.
  3. Add the spices and sauté for 2-3 minutes, untill the color changes.
  4. When finished, pour into a bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes.
  5. If you wish, add dry mango powder or lemon juice for taste.
  6. It is great with rice and tortillas or naan.

Tips: Okra has to be washed and dried properly with a cloth.

Serving Size is for 1/5 of recipe.
Let me know what you think by leaving a comment! I love to hear from my readers!

Join my Newsletter here to be notified when a New Recipe has posted and receive a Healthy Cooking Tip right in your inbox!

Health benefits of Okra

  • Very low in calories, provides just 30 cal per 100 g and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; but is a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins; recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.
  • The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in Okra pods helps smooth peristalsis of digested food particles and relieve constipation condition.
  • The pods contain healthy amounts of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. It is one of the green vegetable with highest levels of these anti-oxidants. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  • Fresh pods are good source of folates; provide about 22% of RDA per 100 g. Consumption of foods rich in folates, especially during pre-conception period helps decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring.
  • The pods are also an excellent source of anti-oxidant vitamin, vitamin-C; provides about 36% of daily recommended levels. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps body develop immunity against infectious agents, reduce episodes of cold and cough and protects body from harmful free radicals.
  • The veggies are rich in B-complex group of vitamins like niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid. The pods also contain good amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is a co-factor for blood clotting enzymes and is required for strengthening of bones.
  • The pods are also good source of many important minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium.