Ladies Finger (Okra) Pickle

Ladies finger is one vegetable which has not much takers in most household. Mostly because it is slushy in curries. But  it does have a lot of benefits.

Healthbenefits of Okra

• The pods are among the very low calorie vegetables. They provide just 30 calories per 100 g besides containing no saturated fats or cholesterol. Nonetheless, they are rich sources of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins; often recommended by nutritionists in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.
  
• The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in okra pods help in smooth peristalsis of digested food particles and relieve constipation condition.
  
• The pods contain healthy amounts of vitamin A, and flavonoid anti-oxidants such as beta carotenes, xanthin and lutein. It is one of the green vegetables with highest levels of these anti-oxidants. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  
• Fresh pods are the good source of folates; provide about 22% of RDA per 100 g. Consumption of foods rich in folates, especially during the pre-conception period helps decrease the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring.
  
• The gumbo pods are also an excellent source of anti-oxidant vitamin, vitamin-C, providing about 36% of daily-recommended levels. Research suggests that consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop immunity against infectious agents, reduce episodes of cold and cough and protect the body from harmful free radicals.
  
• The veggies are rich in B-complex group of vitamins like niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid. The pods also contain good amounts of vitamin K.  Vitamin K is a co-factor for blood clotting enzymes and is required for strengthening of bones.
  
• The pods are an also good source of many important minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium.
  

Ladies Finger (Okra) Pickle

 

Ingredients

 

1.      Ladies Finger – 10 Nos.

2.      Big Onions – 4 Nos.

3.      Lemon juice –2 Tbspn

4.      Vinegar – 4 Tbspn

5.      Chilly Powder – 2 Tbspn (adjust according to your taste and the chilly. Use Kashmiri chilly for less heat and more colour)

6.      Asafoetida – a pinch

7.      Fenugreek Powder – ½ Tspn

8.      Salt to taste

Method

Cut onions and ladies finger into thin slices. Add 1 tbspn of oil and fry this mix until slightly brown. Stir frequently to avoid the mixture from sticking to the vessel. When it is sufficiently fried, add all the powders. Fry further. Now add salt, vinegar and lime juice. Test the sourness and add more vinegar if necessary. You can finish at this stage by adding 2 more tbspn of oil or use this oil to fry 1 tbspn each of ginger and garlic along with mustard.

Enjoy!

Tip:

To remove the mushiness one can fry the okra with a little butter milk.