Curry Chili Powder & Okra Curry Recipe | Mellowbites Episode 12

Hello Foodies, and welcome back to Mellowbites!

In Episode 12, we’re diving into the heart of South Indian cuisine by making a staple spice blend—Curry Chili Powder—and using it to create a delicious and comforting Okra Curry.

Homemade Curry Chili Powder Recipe

This versatile spice powder adds incredible depth and flavor to a wide variety of South Indian dishes. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tbsp Chana Dal
• 1/2 tbsp Toor Dal
• 1/ bsp Fenugreek Seeds
• 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tbsp Peppercorns
• 1/2 tbsp Fennel Seeds
• 1/2 tbsp Mustard Seeds
• 1/2 tbsp Raw rice
• 1 cup Red Chilies
• 1 cup Coriander Seeds

Method:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Spread the chana dal, toor dal, fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, fennel seeds, mustard seeds and raw rice on one plate. On another plate, measure out the red chilies and coriander seeds.
2. Sun-Dry or Roast: Sun-dry these ingredients for 2 days. Alternatively, you can roast them in a cast iron kadai.
   • Start by roasting the ingredients from the first plate until the raw rice turns white and the mustard seeds splutter. This should take about 3 minutes.
   • Next, add the ingredients from the second plate and roast for another 2 minutes before turning off the heat.
3. Cool and Blend: Allow all the ingredients to cool completely before blending them into a fine powder.i used my Panasonic mixer to blend into a fine powder

And there you have it—your very own homemade curry chili powder! This spice blend is a must-have for bringing authentic flavors to your South Indian dishes.

Okra Curry Recipe Using Curry Chili Powder

Now, let’s put our freshly ground curry chili powder to good use by whipping up a simple yet flavorful Okra Curry.

Ingredients:

• Sesame oil
• 25-30 Shallots (chopped using Borosil Chopper or a regular blender)
• ¼ tsp Mustard Seeds
• ¼ tsp Fenugreek Seeds
• Curry Leaves
• Turmeric Powder
• 1 Tomato (sliced into rounds)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 250 grams Okra (cleaned and chopped)
• 2 heaped tsp Curry Chili Powder
• Tamarind Juice (from an amla-sized piece of tamarind)

Method:

1. Heat the Oil: In a clay pot, heat some sesame oil. While the oil is heating, chop the shallots.
2. Tempering: Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and a drizzle of turmeric powder.
3. Sauté the Shallots: Add the chopped shallots and sauté until they become soft and transparent.
4. Add the Tomato: Toss in the tomato slices, sautéing until they turn soft and mushy. Season with salt and add a teaspoon of chili powder.
5. Cook the Okra: Add the chopped okra (or any vegetable of your choice) and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Mix in 2 heaped teaspoons of the curry chili powder.
6. Tamarind Juice: Pour in tamarind juice and bring the curry to a boil. Adjust the water as needed, then cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, your super tasty Okra Curry is ready to serve! Pour it over hot rice and enjoy a meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Enjoy Your Meal!

And that’s it, Foodies! A delightful Okra Curry made from scratch using our homemade Curry Chili Powder. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also perfect for sharing with family and friends.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please give it a thumbs up, share it with your fellow food lovers, and don’t forget to subscribe to Mellowbites for more exciting recipes and tips that will bring a touch of magic to your kitchen.

Until next time, happy cooking, and stay spicy!