India-Inspired Okra Fries

Makes 4 servings

Tribute to India! India is probably one of my most favorite travel destinations! The people, the food, the beauty of the country as a whole is incomparable. When we were in Delhi we visited several houses of worship, and from this, I learned that India is one of the most if not the most diverse countries in the world, which means that not only are the religions diverse but so is the culture and most importantly the food!

When we Americans think of Indian food, we think about mostly North Indian food such as butter chicken, samosas, naan, etc. These dishes are all delicious, however, there is even more to Indian food than we can even imagine!

Similar to African cuisine, most of the dishes are cooked in one pot where flavors build upon each other, simmer, and marry to create a savory, flavorful, spicy delightfulness! Unfortunately, though, Americans have Americanized Indian food, so the flavors are not as bold as you would normally savor in India. I encourage everyone to take the long trek over to this amazing country and taste as many foods as you can to fully understand what Indian food is all about.

This recipe that I developed, is very Americanized, so fair warning! It’s a version of one of my favorite items on the Chai Pani menu in Asheville, NC, okra fries with a yogurt, turmeric dip.

And while we’re all waiting to travel safely again, try out your local Indian restaurant and savor the flavors of this beautifully amazing culture!

1 pound okra, trimmed and halved lengthwise

Avocado spray

1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided

½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided

¼ teaspoon ground fennel seed

14 teaspoon ground coriander

½ cup yogurt

¼ teaspoon turmeric

¼ teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Preheat oven to 475°. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place okra, cut side down on the pan. Spray with avocado spray. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, fennel, and coriander. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cut-side is golden brown. Remove from the oven.

Meanwhile stir together yogurt, turmeric, garam masala, lemon zest, and remaining ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve okra with yogurt mixture.