Aloo Bhindi - Okra with Potatoes

This recipe makes a wonderful accompaniment to a spicy main dish. Or it is great as a vegetarian main course for 2, especially when served with warm naan bread.

Serves: 4

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 40 min

Ready in: 55 min

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, quartered

• 4 garlic cloves

• 5 cm (2 in) piece of fresh root ginger, peeled

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil

• 1 fresh red or green chilli, seeded and finely chopped

• 1 tsp black mustard seeds

• 2 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 450 ml (15 fl oz) hot vegetable stock, preferably home-made

• 1 can chopped tomatoes, about 400 g

• 200 g (7 oz) okra, trimmed and sliced

• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks

• 1 red, green or yellow pepper, seeded and cut into chunks

• 4 tbsp raisins

• 3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

• salt and pepper

• chopped fresh coriander to garnish

Method

1. Put the onion, peeled garlic and ginger in a food processor or blender and purée. (Alternatively, finely chop the ingredients and mix well together.)

2. Heat the oil in a saucepan. Add the onion purée and the chilli, and fry over a low heat for 6–7 minutes or until the mixture is beginning to turn golden brown in places.

3. Add the mustard seeds, ground coriander, cumin and turmeric, and stir to form a paste.

4. Gradually pour in the stock and tomatoes with their juice, stirring well. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan.

5. Simmer over a low heat for 10 minutes or until the spices are cooked and their flavours blended.

6. Add the okra, potatoes, pepper, raisins and seasoning to taste. Stir well, then cover again and simmer over a low heat for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

7. Stir in the chopped coriander and serve at once,

8. Sprinkle with extra coriander to garnish.