Stuffed Okra

Ingredients

1 1/2 okra
12 gr coriander seeds
6 gr cumin seeds
4 gr fennel seeds
1 gr black pepper
9 gr garam masala
1 gr cayenne
1/8 asafetida
1 gr turmeric
8 gr almonds
7 ml lemon juice
65 gr ghee
1 gr salt

Instructions

Slice the stems off the okra & the very tip at the other end. Slit each pod lengthwise, leaving 1 cm unslit at both ends. Be careful not to cut the pods completely in half. Combine the crushed coriander, cumin & fennel seeds with the balck pepper, garam masala, cayenne, asafetida, almonds, lemon juice & 2 tb of ghee. Blend well, using your fingers if necessary till you have a dry oatmeal type texture. Using a butter knife, put about a quarter ts of the stuffing into each okra pod, then press the edges closed & set aside covered till you are ready to cook. Place the rest of the ghee in a large skillet & heat till hot. Add the stuffed okra pods & spread out in one layer. Keeping the heat moderate, cook for 5 minutes, covered. Gently turn the okra to ensure even cooking. Continue this for 20 to 25 minutes or until the okra is completely cooked. Place the okra on paper towels & toss with salt. Serve piping hot. Yamuna Devi, "The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking"