Gutti Bendakaya (Andhra Stuffed Okra)

Ingredients:
Bhindi / Okra – 500 gms
Salt as per taste
Turmeric Powder – 1/2 tsp
Oil – 2 tsp
Dried Red Chillies – 5
Cumin Seeds – 2 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves – 2 sprigs

For Tempering:
Oil – 1 tblsp
Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp
Urad Dal – 1 tsp
Red Chilli – 1, broken

Method:
1. Wash the bhindi and dry.
2. Cut a slit lengthwise, ensuring the segment do not separate.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add the dried red chillies, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
4. Fry over low heat.
5. Add salt and turmeric powder.
6. Grind to a fine powder.
7. Stuff the slit bhindi’s with this powder.
8. Heat oil for tempering in a pan.
9. Add the tempering ingredients and fry over moderate heat.
10. Add the bhindi and saute gently for 2 minutes.
11. Lower heat, cover pan and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, till bhindi is tender.
12. Serve hot with rice.