Okra Tomato Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala)

I used to eat okra just plain, cooked in boiling water for a few minutes, seasoned with salt and drizzled with a little sesame oil. When I first met Baji (my husband Lulu's grandma), she was surprised by how I prepared okra (it's called bhindi  in Urdu). She immediately showed me what she called sabji masala. Sabji means vegetables in Urdu, and for the longest time, I had no clue why Baji would always talk about sabji with me because I didn't understand the meaning of the word. The okra, once pre-cooked (Baji deep-fried them), are finished by simmering in a spiced tomato mixture.

Some people object to what they call the "sliminess" of okra. If you do, you need to deep fry them. That’s everyone’s favorite preparation, but it’s not the healthiest. Give both a try, and see which one you like.