Crispy Bhindi aur Pyaz

Ingredients:-

250 grams bhindi (ladies fingers)
¼ cup maize flour (makai ka atta)
2 teaspoons cumin seeds (jeera)
2 cups onions, sliced
1½ teaspoons chaat masala
2 tablespoons oil
salt to taste
oil for deep frying

Method:-

1. Trim the ends of the bhindi and cut each bhindi into 6 to 8 strips lengthwise.
2. Apply salt on the bhindi strips and leave aside for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Add the maize flour and toss well.
4. Deep fry the bhindi, a few pieces at a time in hot oil, till they are light brown in colour. Drain on absorbent paper and keep aside.
5. Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds. When they crackle, add the onion slices and sauté till they are lightly browned.
6. Add the fried bhindi, chaat masala and toss well.
7. Serve immediately.

These crisp fried ladies finger strips tossed with caramelised onions are truly delightful. Maize flour added to the bhindi makes it crispy and causes the bhindi to absorb less oil. You can use whole wheat flour (atta) or jowar flour instead of maize flour. This preparation makes a tasty accompaniment to dal-chawal.