Cinnamon Lady Okra

Cinnamon Lady Okra – A Delightful Twist on a Classic Vegetable
Here’s a delicious dish featuring cinnamon and yogurt or coconut cream, which can also be paired with other vegetables and cheese. Having explored markets around the world, I find it fascinating how different cultures tell their stories through food. In Asia, this vegetable is called Okra, known in the West as Lady Fingers, and in South America, it goes by the name Kiabo. Surprisingly, many people dislike okra, but with the right preparation, it can be transformed into a dish bursting with flavor.

Having prepared okra countless times for friends—many of whom initially refused to try “lady fingers”—I’ve witnessed a common pattern. Once the dish is on the table, curiosity takes over, and after just one bite of Cinnamon Lady Okra, even the most skeptical okra critics become fans. The blend of sweet cinnamon, savory soy sauce, and zesty lemon juice makes this recipe irresistible, even for kids.

The Secret to Cooking Okra Without the Sliminess
One of the main reasons people avoid cooking okra is its natural sliminess when cut and heated. However, when lightly sautéed whole, the mucilage (a gel-like substance also found in Aloe Vera) stays inside the pod, eliminating the gooey texture while preserving the vegetable’s rich nutrients. The key is not to cut the pod—instead, cook it whole to fully enjoy its health benefits.

When okra is chopped and added to stews, the mucilage thickens the dish, giving it a natural viscosity. This thickening effect is due to exopolysaccharides and glycoproteins, which contribute to okra’s unique texture and its health benefits.

Health Benefits of Okra
Okra is packed with essential nutrients and is particularly beneficial for those with joint pain and digestive issues. I know of someone with chronic hyperacidity, whose parents discovered the healing properties of okra. After just two weeks of eating okra daily, their stomach acidity disappeared and never returned. Since then, the entire family has incorporated okra into their everyday meals.

Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and powerful antioxidants, okra is also an excellent food choice for pregnant women, as it provides essential nutrients that support maternal and fetal health.

Ways to Enjoy Okra
You can steam or sauté okra with your favorite spices for a quick and flavorful dish. Follow the recipe below for a simple yet delicious way to prepare this often-misunderstood vegetable.

Print Recipe

Cinnamon Lady Okra

Lunch, Dinner – Asian

Serves: 3-4 servings

Prep Time: 3 minutes – Cooking Time: 3 minutes – Total Time: 6 minutes

A quick and flavorful okra dish with a hint of cinnamon and a creamy finish from yogurt or coconut cream. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 medium-sized young Okra
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce as to your taste
• 1/2 of a lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon of yogurt or coconut cream (optional)
• Dash of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1

Cut off the heads of the okra.

2

In a saucepan over medium or low heat, add half a teaspoon of roasted sesame oil and sauté the okra whole for 1-2 minutes until it is half-cooked.

3

Add soy sauce and coat the okra well.

4

Sprinkle cinnamon powder over the okra and squeeze the lemon juice.

5

Give a quick mix and remove from heat; these steps take less than 6 minutes.

6

The heat enhances the okra's vibrant green color; remove immediately to maintain its crunch and nutritional benefits.

7

Pour coconut cream or yogurt over the okra.

8

Optionally, mix in other vegetables and add a touch of fresh cheese or a sprinkle of grated coconut. Enjoy!

Nutrition

• 23.6 Calories
• 4.0g Carbohydrates
• 0.0mg Cholesterol
• 2.0g Fat
• 1.4g Fiber
• 3.0g Protein
• 56.3mg Sodium
• 0.0g Trans fat

Notes

Remember not to overcook the okra to preserve its nutritional value.

Okra Around the World
Known by different names across various regions, Lady’s Finger (Okra, Bhińd́i, Dhenŕash) is a beloved vegetable that thrives in all seasons. Originally from Africa, its elongated shape resembles a lady’s finger, giving it its English name. When introduced to India, it first gained popularity in the Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, leading to its Hindi name “bhindi.” In Bihar, it is called “ram taroi”, while in Bengali, it is known as “dhenrash.”

No matter where you are, okra remains a versatile, nutritious, and flavorful addition to any meal. Try this Cinnamon Lady Okra recipe, and you may find yourself falling in love with this incredible vegetable!