crack the plates

Bhindi (okra) is one of my most-loved vegetables, but it is a seasonal favorite whose availability further varies by location. In the southern US, I’ve mentioned before, you can find it fresh in grocery stores mostly year-round, but dismal demand in the midwest renders its delivery spotty even in summertime–and impossible during winter. I was floored to find it fresh in the waning summer Saturdays at our local farmer’s market, buying up at least a couple pounds each morning it was available. (And subsequently offered my tips toward choosing fresh okra here.) I mostly used it in bhindi masala, trying variations on Tara Shetty’s outstanding recipe. Here’s what it looks like with fresh okra and fresh tomatoes:

In despicably inhospitable climes I’ve been forced to consort with bagged frozen okra. Desperate measure, but I’m managing. Our local Kroger sells the whole frozen okra essential to this dish–pre-sliced just doesn’t, ahem, cut it. The former’s slime factor helps the spicy sauce cling to the vegetable better, evenly distributing the flavors. All I do is steam the okra and, once it has cooled, chop it lengthwise and continue with the recipe. Instead of using two chopped tomatoes (& paying a fortune for pinkish hot-house grown monsters), I simply use one 14.5oz can of organic chopped tomatoes (unsalted if possible). The results? Not too bad! Two separate occasions:

January bhindi

February bhindi

PS. I recently (VERY MISTAKENLY) adjusted some unfamiliar setting on my camera and am mostly taking gloomy-looking pictures as a result. Hopefully getting that figured out soon.

Tonight’s dinner has a decidedly unglamorous name: TVP & peppers. I came up with this recipe last fall when I wanted something warming, packed with protein, and with the potential for general appeal. TVP & Peppers succeeds on all counts. It was created in my former Zoomie’s wok (RIP) but it easily re-created in my all-purpose cast-iron skillet. To make,

• reconstitute some TVP in veggie broth. As I’ve mentioned before, I like Dixie Diner’s chick’n NOT! strips. We purchase a 10-lb bag about twice a year.
• heat a little oil in the skillet, add an onion, cook, add peppers, cook, add garlic, cook
• Add a little high-quality cinnamon, some cayenne pepper, a bit of ground ginger; cook
• Add reconstituted TVP to the pan, sautee over med-high heat to get a bit of a sear; add tamari (or soy sauce) and some vegan Worchestershire sauce (most store brands are vegan, particularly Kroger’s) to taste
• Add in several tablespoons of good-quality garam masala; mix briefly
• Incorporate a 14.5oz can of chopped tomatoes, kind of drained, into the mix
• Let simmer and thicken for a few minutes; serve!

This recipe was born at brunchtime but is great for any time of day. The ingredients have natural warming properties to keep you glowing from the inside on the chilly days. Bonus: It is, in my experience, extraordinarily omni-friendly: in the winter months, this is my favorite to take to pot-lucks. You could also use the dish as a kind of filling in soft-tacos for an Indian Mexican fusion main course.

Let me know if you try it or if you have any questions!