CRISPY FRIED OKRA IN YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. Prepare the ginger-garlic paste. Prepare the okra: cut off a think slice of the stem end of each okra and discard, then cut the okra into 1/3-inch slices. (Cut off and discard the tips only if they look too brown.)2. Heat the oil in a wok until it registers 350°F to 375°F on a frying thermometer or a small piece of okra dropped into the hot oil bubbles and rises to the top immediately. Add the okra (in 2 batches, if needed) and fry until crisp and lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and mix well with the ginger-garlic paste.3. Discard all except 1 tablespoon oil from the wok (use this oil for other cooking, if you like.) Heat the oil and add the cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Mix in the yogurt-cornstarch mixture, a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent it from curdling. Cook, stirring, until most of the yogurt evaporates and the sauce becomes thick, 3 to 5 minutes.4. Mix in the fried okra and salt, and cook about 5 minutes, until the flavors are blended. Transfer to a serving dish, top with the garam masala, and serve.VARIATION: A similar curry can be made using 1 cup canned tomato sauce and 1/2 cup coconut milk instead of the yogurt.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.