Bhindi Bhaja With Rajasthani Twist

Rajasthan is a land of vibrant color , rich heritage and Royals like Rajput .We have heard so many great stories of bravery of Hindu Rajputs like the one of Queen Padmini and other womenfolk who self emolliated herself ( called jauher in local language ) for the sake of her motherland , and also the vibrant history of Mewar . This post is a tribute to the women of Rajasthan .
Such a rich culture and power of women still persists.The desert plays a crucial part in their life , In remote Villages , women folk have to travel and cross the desert of 2-3 km to get water for their families , carrying matkas ( sand/ soil pot ) over their heads and cover the distance walking and also cross the heat wave that pertains in their life …
Camels and caravans, camps in desert and so many forts like the fort of Jaisalmer.
Jaipur is the capital of this state .Rajasthan is a state famous for Palaces and forts .

Rajasthani cuisine is mainly vegetarian , but people use spices generously , Rajasthani cuisine is much more spicier than its other Indian counterparts.And people of Rajasthan are famous for their Athiti satkar , they fondly serve people, feeding guests affectionately ( Manohar in local language ) also .

I have once asked my Marwari Friend mrs S to describe Marwari or Rajasthani cuisine , she told , " are hamara khana to bohot thikha hota , harek mein ghee aour masala padta hai "( Our food is spicy and hot and we use ghee generously ) .While I searched many recipes , look what , I have found a good collection of Rajasthani Recipe here http://foodmasala.blogspot.com/2007/08/traditional-rajastani-thali.html

To feel the essence of Rajasthan I would suggest you to see Hindi film Lekin and Batwara , both featuring great artists and capturing Rajasthan ‘s beauty on screen .. Padharo Mahare Desh Main ( welcome to my motherland ) , is a famous Rajasthani folk song , I always love to hear anytime.
Here is the recipe link I have choosen for this time to cook http://www.indianfoodforever.com/rajasthan/rajasthani-bhindi.html
But I have adapted to suit our taste buds.

Bhindi Bhaja with Rajasthani Twist

Bhindi or Dhaindos in Bengali ( Okhra) – 20 , with both the ends cut .
1 small onion chopped finely

Tempering and Flavoring

2-3 tbs of Besan ( Gram flour )

1 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tsp of red pepper powder
2 tsp of coriander powder
2 tsp of cumin powder
1 tsp of salt
2 tsp of lemon juice or aamchur powder
1 tsp of kalounji ( Nigella seeds )
½ tsp of cumin seeds
1 tej patta ( Bay leaf )
2-3 green chilly peppers slit in between
1tsp of sugar
3 tbs of mustard oil
Method
Cut the two ends of Bhindi and slit in between .
Mix in all the dry ingredients – Besan , turmeric , red pepper , cumin , coriander and aamchur or you may use Lemon juice also , It also works fine .
Fill in Bhindi with the mixture and let it sit for ½ hr before you deep fry them .
Heat up a kadai/ heavy bottom pan , add mustard oil , temper it with Kalounji ( or for a Bengali touch can use panch phoron as well ), Bay leaf at low.Add Green Chilly Peppers. Add onions .
Now add the stuffed Bhindi and deep fry them for 2-3 mints , cover and cook at low for 5 mints , remove from heat .Make sure Bhindis remain crunchy .Sprinkle little bit of sugar over them
If you have some of the mixture remain , sprinkle over the fried bhindi.Serve with rotis and a bowl of yogurt .
Our Verdict - my in -laws liked this a lot , Rajasthani okhra /bhindi fry will feature more in our dinner menu .
Sending this entry to Padmaja and for more details of RCI- Rajasthan , visit here Flavours of the desert rci-Rajasthan/
Happy cooking