How to cook okra sambhar (indian style stew)

Wash & dry the okra. Use a paper towel to dry the okra (if not dried, it ends up getting sticky when it is cut)

Chop the okra into small pieces. (Tip: Smear the knife with a little oil to reduce the stickiness when cutting)

Mix 1/2 tsp of tamarind paste in 4 cups of hot water on medium flame.

Add the cut okra to the tamarind water and let it cook for 15-20 mins. (Tip: Once the okra is cooked, it does not float).

Chop the onions.

Chop the ginger, green chillies & onions.

Prep 1 tsp of mustard seeds, urad dhal and cumin seeds.

Heat 1 tbsp of oil and fry the mustard seeds, urad dhal & cumin seeds.

Once the mustard seeds starts to splutter, add the chopped ginger, green chillies and onions and fry till the onions turn translucent. (Tip: sprinkle a little salt to cook faster)

Add 2 tbsp of tomato sauce to the mix and mix till the raw smell of the sauce goes away.

Add the cooked okra to the mix. Also add a little bit of the tamarind water the okra was cooked in.

Open up a pack of Sambhar powder

Add 1 tbsp of sambhar powder to the mixture.

Add 1-2 cups of water (according to desired consistency). Add a tsp of salt (per desired taste). Opt. add a pinch of red chilly powder. Bring to boil by stirring frequently. Serve with basmati rice.