Vegetarian●●●Origin AwadhPrep 15–20 minutes, plus soaking timeCook 25 minutes
A fragrant, gently spiced vegetarian dish where whole slit okra is steeped in spiced yoghurt, then slow-cooked until tender and coated in a rich, glossy sauce.
Marinade spices
12 gWhisked into the yoghurt for soaking the okra (step 2)
Cut a lengthwise slit down each of the 500 g okra pods, keeping the stems intact so they remain whole.
In a wide bowl, combine 152 g plain yogurt with the marinade spices, salt to taste, and about one-third (roughly 1 teaspoon) of the 13.2 g green chilli. Submerge the prepared okra into the spiced yoghurt mixture and leave to soak for 20 minutes.
Warm 40.5 g vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan set over medium heat. Add the aromatic paste and turmeric along with the remaining chopped green chillies, stir-frying for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Tip the marinated okra along with all the yoghurt mixture into the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in 13.2 g ghee and an extra pinch of garam masala. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, turn the heat down to low, and slow-cook for 10 minutes.
Uncover the pan and simmer for a final 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce reduces and coats the okra.
Use 50% of the weight mixed with equal parts ground coriander and a pinch of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground green cardamom. Sprinkle near the end for a warming finish.
Steep a tiny pinch (0.1 g per 2 g turmeric) in 2 tbsp warm water; use to match the rich golden hue. Contributes an aristocratic, honeyed floral flavour rather than earthy bitterness.
Use 120% of the weight; melt gently over low heat to avoid burning the milk solids, which will yield a softer, creamier richness rather than a nutty aroma.