Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner? Look no further! This Creamy Coconut Okra Curry recipe is your answer. Using pre-made yellow curry sauce saves you precious time, allowing you to whip up this flavorful dish in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a casual dinner party. This recipe combines the satisfying creaminess of coconut milk with the slightly slimy, yet wonderfully textured okra, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready for a taste sensation that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound fresh okra, trimmed and sliced
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 (10 ounce) jar of pre-made yellow curry sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add Okra and Spices: Add the sliced okra to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften slightly. Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and coat the okra.
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Simmer in Coconut Milk and Curry Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and stir in the pre-made yellow curry sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the okra is tender but still slightly firm. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice. The creamy coconut milk perfectly complements the slightly slimy texture of the okra, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Cooking Tips for the Best Okra Curry:
- Don't overcook the okra: Overcooked okra can become mushy. Aim for tender-crisp okra; it should still retain a slight bite.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and add more to your liking. You can also adjust the amount of pre-made curry sauce to control the spiciness and flavor intensity.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh okra and herbs will significantly enhance the flavor of your curry.
Variations:
- Add protein: Chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be delicious additions to this curry. Add the protein during step 2 along with the okra.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- Coconut milk variations: For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk. Light coconut milk will result in a lighter curry.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7g
This creamy coconut okra curry is a delicious and easy weeknight meal perfect for busy individuals and families. It's a healthy and satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!