Okra with Panch Phoron

I was recently visiting a great spice shop in Greensboro called Savory Spice Shop, I have tweeted and chatted on facebook with them for a good while and it was lovely to meet the manager in person. I have seen Panch Phoron on Indian blogs its a Bengali spice blend. After I got it I mentioned it on the facebook page and asked for tips, folks said its good with vegetables or potatoes. Since we love okra in our house I figured lets sauté some with it. It was an easy to make side full of flavor, so if your looking for a fun new spice blend to try, check out Panch Phoron. It means "five spices" in Maithili 

and consists of fenugreek seed, nigella seed, cumin seed, black mustard seed and fennel seed in equal parts.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of chopped okra 
• 1/2 teaspoon panch phoron
• salt to taste 
• 1/2 onion chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon of unsweet grated coconut 

Method:

1. heat some oil, and temper the spices for a couple of minutes this step really releases the flavor
2. add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes 
3. then add the chopped okra and cook for 15-20 min on a medium heat, turning until soft and all the sliminess has disappeared
4. when its close to cooked add some grated coconut and salt to taste
5. enjoy with rice and dal

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