Turai, Chinese Okra AKA Angled Luffa Gourd is a vegetable that is very low in calories and covers about 20% of RDA of Vitamin C (WOW!). Believe it or not that is true. This simplistic Turai a dish that is truly ‘home-cooking’….Try this great version with Methi (my Fav) and see how you like it.
Chinese Okra (Turai) - 1
Oil - 1 tbsp
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Onion - 1, medium, finely chopped
Ginger - 1 tbsp, minced
Garlic - 1 tbsp, minced
Turmeric - 1/4 tsp
Fenugreek Leaves ( Methi) - 1/2 cup, packed, finely chopped
Tomato - 2, medium, finely chopped
Green Chili - to taste, finely chopped
Garam Masala - 1/2 tsp
Salt - to taste
Water - 1/2 cup
Method:
1. Peel the ridges of the Turai and cut into semi-circle discs.
2. In a wok-style pan, heat the oil on medium heat.
3. Add the Cumin Seeds and allow them to splutter.
4. Add in Onions, Ginger and Garlic. Cook till they turn brown.
5. Add the Chinese Okra (Turai) and saute for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the Turmeric, Green Chilies and Fenugreek leaves.
7. Saute for another minute till the leaves wilt.
8. Add in the Tomatoes, Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
9. Add in the Salt, Garam Masala and mix well.
10. Add Water, cover and cook till the Turai is soft and cooked.
11. Serve with Chapatis or Rice. Serves 2-3 ( depending on the size of the Chinese Okra)
Tips:
1. Use 1 cube of frozen Fenugreek Leaves when fresh is not in available.
2. Substitute the Fenugreek with Spinach (1 cup) to make it more kid-friendly and a nice change.
3. Don’t go by the looks and simplicity of this dish…give it a shot and you will love the taste.
4. Adjust the water amount if you like the turai softer or more firm.
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January 16th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
That’s a new combination for me - I never cooked turai with methi before. Thanks for the idea.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Can we use qasoori methi, if I don’t have the fresh methi leaves?
January 25th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Yes, Kustoori/Qasoori/Kasuri Methi can be substituted for fresh methi. Use it exactly the same way and add it in at the same time. Enjoy!
March 12th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
This is a new combination, I always wonder how to cook chinese okra. Will try this recipe.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
hello didi,
i read Turai[Chinese Okra] but i don’t know turai. where i can buy this Turai[chinese okra] which store & which section? ple.. reply me.
i m waiting your reply.
thank you.
PALAK
April 27th, 2008 at 5:21 am
Hi Palak,
You can buy Turai at an Indian or Oriental grocery stores. Infact the Walmart in our area has also started keeping it now…
You can find it in the fresh produce section. It is a long green vegetable with ridges on it.
May 25th, 2008 at 11:49 am
please let me know how many turai’s to use.
thanks
rgds
naz
May 25th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Naz, I turai (average size) has been used for this recipe.