Creole Curry

Rice and okra are two ingredients that come together beautifully in this flavorful and satisfying dish. The combination of fluffy rice, tender okra, tomatoes, and aromatic curry powder creates a delightful meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with rich flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a new way to enjoy okra, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Here’s how to make it:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of rice
• 2 cups of okra
• 2 cups of tomato
• 2 small onions, cut in halves
• 1 teaspoon of butter
• 1 cup of hot water
• 1 heaping teaspoon of curry powder
• Salt, to taste
• Indian chutney (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the Rice:

   Begin by boiling 1 cup of rice in a separate pot according to the package instructions. This will ensure you have perfectly cooked rice to add to the dish later.

2. Prepare the Okra and Tomatoes:

   While the rice is cooking, prepare the okra and tomatoes. Wash 2 cups of okra and trim the ends. You can choose to slice the okra into rounds or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Dice 2 cups of fresh tomatoes. You can also use canned tomatoes if preferred. Halve 2 small onions to add flavor to the dish.

3. Begin Cooking in a Double Boiler:

   Place the prepared okra, diced tomatoes, halved onions, and 1 teaspoon of butter in a double boiler. Once the ingredients are in the double boiler, add 1 cup of hot water into which you’ve dissolved 1 heaping teaspoon of curry powder. Mix everything together in the double boiler and let it cook together for approximately half an hour. This gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the okra to become tender.

4. Remove the Onions:

   After half an hour, remove the halved onions from the double boiler. They have served their purpose of flavoring the dish.

5. Combine with Cooked Rice:

   Add the cooked rice to the okra and tomato mixture in the double boiler. Season the entire mixture generously with salt. Adjust the salt to your taste preference.

6. Serve with Optional Indian Chutney:

   For an extra layer of flavor, you can serve this dish with Indian chutney on the side. The chutney’s tangy and spicy notes complement the curry and add a delightful contrast to the dish.

TIPS:

• Okra Varieties: Okra comes in various sizes, so choose okra that suits your preference. Smaller okra pods are often more tender, while larger ones may have a slightly firmer texture.
• Curry Powder: The amount of curry powder used can be adjusted to your taste. Feel free to add more for a stronger curry flavor or reduce it for a milder taste.
• Make It Vegan: To make this dish vegan, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether.
• Rinse Okra: If you find that okra can be slightly slimy, you can rinse it in cold water before using it in the recipe to reduce the sliminess.

This Rice and Okra with Curry dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the unique flavors and textures of okra. The combination of tender okra, juicy tomatoes, aromatic curry, and fluffy rice creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of okra or looking to try it for the first time, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience. Plus, it’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. So, go ahead and give it a try; you’ll be glad you did!