Crispy Besani Bhindi : Okra fry with gram flour

I dont know why but I have never been satisfied with the kind of bhindi I make. Sometimes I think that since Bhindi uses a lot of oil in cooking, and I dont use it that much so it gets somewhat dry. I often cook it with potatoes, it gives a crunchy texture to the dish. This time I prepared with besan, heard about it alot. Its a Rajasthani recipe, which is often cooked with a generous amount of oil. But I forbid that, so just tried with the minimum quantity I could have poured.

Ingredients:
1. 250 gms Bhindi, washed and wiped dry properly
2. 2 medium potatoes, chopped small
3. 2 onions, sliced thin
4. 2 tsp oil
5. salt to taste
6. 2 tbsp Besan  ( gram flour )
7. 1 1/2 tsp turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder each
8. 2 bay leaves
9. 3-4 curry leaves ( optional )
10. 2 green chilies, chopped small
11. 1/2 tsp garam masala, dry mango powder, each
12. 2-3 garlic pods, minced ( optional )
13. 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method:
1. Mix all the spices ( except salt )with Besan and lemon juice. Combine well and keep aside
2. Chop Bhindi and fold the Gram flour mix with it very well so that every piece absorbs the spices. Keep aside for 15 min.
3. Heat oil in a pan, fry bay leaves, curry leaves and green chilies. Add onion and fry till light brown. Mix in garlic pods and give a good stir.
4. Add potatoes and cook covered for 3-4 min.
5. Add spiced Bhindi and cook covered for 5-6 min. When its half cooked add salt and combine.
6. Cook again for 7-8 min. Stir in between. Serve hot with Chapathi or parantha.

Notes :
1. This should be crispy and a bit dry. So keep stirring in between to avoid sticking to the pan.

Good to Know :
Bhindi/ Okra/ Lady finger is one such versatile vegetable which can be cooked in various ways. Very low in calories, provides just 30 cal per 100 g and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; but is a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins; recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.

The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in Okra pods helps 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 carotene, xanthin and lutein. It is one of the green vegetable with highest levels of these anti-oxidants.  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 also good source of many important minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium.