Season of Okra
Where to Buy Okra
How to Store okra?
Types of Okra
Okra Recipe
Kurkuri Okra
This recipe calls for gram flour, also known as besan, which is a staple in Indian cuisine and has a nutty flavor. Carom seeds, also known as ajwain, offer a flavor that is somewhat oregano- and anise-like.
Ingredients
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1 pound of okra
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Canola or vegetable oil for frying
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a half-cup of Bengal gram flour
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One-half teaspoon of turmeric powder
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Red chili powder, half a teaspoon
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1 tbsp carom seeds (ajwain)
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Chaat masala, 4 teaspoons
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Salt, as required
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3 tablespoons of lime juice
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Servings of cooked rice or daal
How to Do It Steps
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Clean and completely dry the okra. Cut each stem lengthwise into thin slices after removing the tops.
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In a deep skillet, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of oil and cook over medium heat.
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Mix the Ladyfinger with all of the dry ingredients minus the salt in a large mixing bowl. After frying, immediately season with salt (or else the okra will release water and become soggy).
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A couple at a time, deep-fry the okra until they are crisp. Remove, then dry off with paper towels. Add extra oil as necessary. Continue with the remaining okra in batches.
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Serve the lime juice as a garnish along with your preferred daal and plain boiled rice.
Suggestions
It is critical to completely dry the okra because otherwise, it will be slimy and sticky when chopped. Ladyfinger has a gel similar to that found in aloe plants, and when it is cooked slowly, the gel is released. Because it is so quick, frying is the best method for cooking Ladyfinger without slime; if the Ladyfinger is wet when it is put in the hot oil, it will take longer to cook.
It’s important to maintain the oil at the proper temperature for deep-frying. Don’t overheat the oil because deep-fried okra burns easily. Moreover, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to prevent the temperature of the oil from dropping and the okra from fully crisping.
You don’t need to rush them to the table out of fear that they will go mushy because the fried okra will stay lovely and crunchy for 15 to 20 minutes after being cooked.
Okra’s Health Benefits
Okra is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C, K1, and A, as well as magnesium and folate. It might promote blood sugar, heart, and pregnancy health. It may even have anti-cancer qualities.
Full of Nutrients
Okra has a remarkable nutritional profile.
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A cup (100 grams) of uncooked okra includes the following nutrients:
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33 calories
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7 grams of carbs
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2 grams of protein
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0 grams of fat
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3 grams of fiber
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14% of the Daily Value for magnesium (DV)
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15% of the DV of folate
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14% of the DV for vitamin A
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26% of the DV for vitamin C
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26% of the DV for vitamin K
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14% of the DV for vitamin B6
Ladyfinger is a fantastic food source of vitamins C and K1. while vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble vitamin. Known for its involvement in blood clotting. Vitamin C is a water-soluble component that supports your body’s immune system. Ladyfinger is low in calories and carbs, yet it also contains some protein and fiber. Due to the protein deficiency of many fruits and vegetables, okra is relatively uncommon.
Summary
Okra is a food powerhouse. especially high in vitamins C and K. Due to the protein, it contains. This fruit is unique in that it contains a nutrient that many other fruits and vegetables do not.
Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease risk is increased when you have high cholesterol levels. Ladyfinger contains mucilage, a thick, gel-like substance. Can attach to cholesterol during digestion. making it pass through your feces instead of being absorbed by your body.
Animals were divided into three groups and subjected to an eight-week experiment. And given either a high-fat diet without any okra powder or a high-fat diet with 1%, 2%, or both of these amounts.
In comparison to the control group. The mice on the okra diet removed more cholesterol from their feces. They also had lower levels of total cholesterol in their blood.
Ladyfinger polyphenol level raises the possibility of more heart benefits. in one 1,100-person, 4-year study. Those who consumed a diet high in polyphenols had lower levels of inflammation. markers linked to heart disease.
Summary
Okra may bind to cholesterol in your intestines and reduce blood cholesterol levels. According to animal studies. Also, it contains a lot of polyphenols. which guards your heart and prevents hazardous inflammation.
Possible Cancer Properties.
The lectin protein found in okra may prevent the development of human cancer cells. According to a test-tube study using breast cancer cells, the lectin in okra may slow the growth of cancer cells by up to 63%. Ladyfinger extract killed cancer cells in another test-tube study. Using metastatic mouse melanoma cells.
Remember that all experiments used concentrated solutions? And experiments with the extracted okra components were done in test tubes. Before any generalizations can be made, more human research is a must.
Summary
Lectin, a protein found in okra, is being researched for its potential use in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Further study of humans is a must.
Reduced Blood Sugar
Your whole health depends heavily on maintaining good blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes can develop from elevated blood sugar levels. Okra or okra extract intake may assist in reducing blood sugar levels. According to research on rats.
Rats were given liquid sugar and purified okra. One study found less frequent blood sugar increases than those in the control group. Researchers hypothesized that okra reduced the digestive tract’s absorption of sugar. So, This results in a more steady blood sugar response. Okra may, however, interact with the common diabetes drug metformin. As a result, people taking this medication should avoid eating okra.
Summary
Okra intake is related to blood sugar control C Still, some. According to the study, it might interact with popular diabetes drugs.
Provides Healthy Antioxidants
Okra is rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial to your health.
Antioxidants are substances found in food. That prevents the harm caused by dangerous chemicals known as free radicals. Okra contains polyphenols. Isoquercetin and flavonoids are examples. Additionally, vitamins C and A are the principal antioxidants.
Polyphenol-rich diets may improve heart health by lowering the risk of blood clots. Additionally, according to research, oxidative stress. Polyphenols may also be helpful for the health of your brain. Due to their unique ability to enter your brain and stop inflammation. These defense mechanisms could enhance memory and learning. Cognitive function while shielding your brain from the effects of aging.
Summary
Okra is full of antioxidants, which could reduce your risk of contracting chronic conditions. Stop inflammation, and improve general health. Most of all, it includes. polyphenols that could benefit the heart and brain.
Conclusion
Okra is a wholesome food that has many health advantages.
They include large amounts of magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C, K1, and A.
Okra may benefit pregnancy, heart health, and blood sugar control. It may even possess anti-cancer properties.
Okra cooking can be easy. Put it on your shopping list so you can test a novel substance with potent health benefits.
