Bhindi Moong Dal

 Today my recipe is Bhindi Moong Dal.This is very healthy and easy to make. I got this recipe from TV cookery shows. Generally we can make bhindi curry ,fry and stuffed bhindi but first time I heard this type of combination so I tried immediately, it was good to eat. Definitely you can add it to your healthy recipes menu. I hope you like it too........Happy cooking......

Health Benefits of Okra(Lady's finger):

 “Okra is a powerhouse of valuable nutrients, nearly half of which is soluble fiber in the form of gums and pectins. Soluble fiber helps to lower serum cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. The other half is insoluble fiber which helps to keep the intestinal tract healthy, decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer, especially colo-rectal cancer.

Along with containing high amounts of fiber, okra also contains high amounts of vitamins A, C, and B6. Large amounts of calcium, zinc, riboflavin, folic acid, and iron are also present in this vegetable.
Women who are pregnant are urged to incorporate okra into their diets due to the high content of folic acid. Folic acid is essential for the healthy growth of a fetus especially during the fourth week through the twelfth week of pregnancy.

This vegetable is great at being able to reabsorb water. By being able to absorb so much water, okra can trap excess cholesterol, excess bile, and certain toxins. By trapping these substances, it makes it easier to eliminate them from the body through the stool. Because okra absorbs so much water, eating this vegetable can prevent constipation, bloating, and gas.

Okra contains good amounts of vitamin K. vitamin K is a co-factor for blood clotting enzymes and is required for strengthening of bones. The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in okra pods helps smooth peristalsis of digested food particles and relieve constipation condition.

The sodium content of okra is quiet high. This is the reason why it is made into tablets, for replenishing sodium deficiency in the body. These tablets are also good for stomach ulcers.

Okra is the ideal vegetable for weight loss and is a storehouse of health benefits, provided it is cooked over low flame to retain its properties.

Ingredients:

Bhindi(Lady's finger) - 1/4 kg, sliced into 1/2-centimeter rounds

Moong dal - 1 cup

Ginger - garlic paste - 1/2 tsp

Green Chilli - 2, slit lengthwise

Tomato - 1, cut into small slices

Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

Jeera - 1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Asafoetida - 1 pinch

Curry leaves - few

Coriander leaves -few ,chopped

Lemon juice - 1 tsp

Oil - 1 tbsp

Salt to taste

Method of preparation:

1. Pressure cook the moong dal with a pinch of turmeric and asafoetida after rinsing thoroughly. 
2. Heat some oil in a pan. Pop the mustard seeds, jeera, green chilli and curry leaves.
3. Add the turmeric powder, asafoetida and ginger garlic paste and mix well.
4. Add Tomato slices and saute until it turns into soft.
5. Add the bhindi rounds, salt and a sprinkle of water and cover and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the bhindi is almost tender.
6. Add Cooked moong dal and mix properly and boil for 2 minutes. According to our taste we can add more water to get liquid consistency.
7. Finally add Coriander leaves and remove from heat.
8. Add lemon juice and mix well.
9. Yummy and healthy bhindi moong dal is ready to eat with steamed rice.