Stuffed Ladyfinger/Okra

Vendaikkai...Bhindi....Ladyfinger...Okra....many names for a quiet unassuming tiny green vegetable !
 A huge favourite in all Indian homes...easy to clean and delicious when cooked well....the succulent Lady's finger !!!! In other countries in the west,other than the chefs,many people hesitate to cook this nutritious vegetable because of the sliminess associated with it...but Indians have truly mastered the way of cooking the okra...in curries ,in masalas ,deep fried for a snack,this is definitely a veggie most Indians turn to while planning an Indian meal...it goes beautifully with heavy masalas but is also delicious cooked in a simple poriyal(cooked mildly with delicate spices )...this recipe is for a stuffed Ladyfinger,super easy to make and again suitable for a simple home lunch or as an accompaniment at a buffet table,this is slow cooked for about 30mts...as minimal oil is added and it needs to be taken off the fire when it's soft but still has a bit of bite to it !.... I always remember our family physician who insisted that paruppu with vendaikkai (dhal with okra) was immediate brain food... and going by how highly intelligent we all are...I reckon he was right !!! ;))
Another piece of info...kids tend to eat more of the veggie when cooked whole...ssshhh...our secret ! 
Stuffed Ladyfinger
Tender ladyfinger-20
Chilli powder-1 tsp
Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp
Salt
Veg oil-2 Tbsp
Coriander powder-2 tsp
Cumin powder- 2 tsp  
Method
Cut both ends off the ladyfingers .
Make a slit in the middle,not too deep and wide enough to stuff the masala
Mix all the powders with the oil ,into a dish and taste...it has to be a bit salty and spicier than usual...adjust seasoning if necessary.
Using a small spoon...fill the slits with the masala,the remaining masala can be smeared on the top.
Set aside
Put a pan on the hob,place the veg inside side by side and turn on the flame to a low simmer
Once the veg starts searing,keep turning it gently...close with a lid and let cook very slowly,open after 5 mts to gently turn....the oil in the masala is enough,there is no need for any oil to be added further.  
Continue cooking until soft,if the masala catches to the pan ,add a tbsp of water...
Finish with a few tiny drops of lime juice!

  
100g of Ladyfinger contains only 30 calories...high in Vitamins C,A,K,E and B complex,high in dietary fibre and iron,manganese,magnesium,zinc and calcium! It provides numerous benefits like glowing skin,protection foe bones and teeth,guards against lung and colon cancer,cavities in the teeth and reduces cholesterol...provided it's not deep fried !The high amount of folate makes it ideal food for foetus development during pregnancy and also builds the immune system ! Such a tiny thing packs quite a punch !!!!