Bhindi Zunka / Spiced Okra with Chick pea flour crust

Okra / Bhindi is a love-hate vegetable. People either love it or hate it. We at home love okra. When I saw this Bhindi Zunka in Richa's space I immediately bookmarked it. I had remembered the okra which I got few days before at the market. Gave it a try and boy did I like it... It was awesome. I had made this zunka with bell peppers (sister's recipe). This method of making okra though would please some okra non-lovers too I believe. So if you have someone at home who doesn't touch this vegetable, give this a try. They might like it.

Ingredients:
Okra / Bhindi / Lady's Finger - chopped into 1/2" pieces - 2 cups
Onions - chopped finely - 1/4 cup
Fennel seeds - 1/4 tsp
Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Red chilli powder - 3/4 tsp
Asafoetida - a pinch
Salt - to taste
Besan/Chickpea flour/Kadalai maavu - sifted - 1/4 cup

Method:
Dry roast the chickpea flour in medium heat until it gives a lovely aroma and turns slightly brown. Remove and set aside. In the same pan heat 3 tbsp of oil and add the fennel seeds and onions. After the onions turn translucent, couple of minutes, add the spice powders, asafoetida and mix well. Add the chopped okra and mix well so that the oil is coated well on all the pieces. In medium heat, cover loosely with the lid and cook for about 10 - 15 mins until it is almost done. Mix in a fold pattern once in about 3 minutes during this time. After it is almost done, If the okra is not gooey at this stage sprinkle about a tsp of water and add the chickpea flour 1 tbsp at a time folding over after each addition. Cook for a further couple of minutes in a medium flame until the okra is fully done and the chick pea flour forms a thin crust on it. Serve hot with rice or roti.