Stir-Fried Okra with Special Tom Yum Paste

This is a simple to cook dish. Get a wedge of pineapple from the Fruit Seller, this can save you some time. If you do not like stir-frying, blanch the okra and heat up the special tom yum paste with or without the pineapple in the wok. Vegetarian mock fish slices can be added, if desired. Tomatoes puree is used instead of using corn starch or flour, which is a much healthier alternative. The amount of sugar used is to make up for the sourness of the lime juice which is used for adding tangy taste.

Preparation: 10 mins, Cooking time: 10 mins

Ingredients (serves 2-4)
° 75g okra or lady’s fingers, trimmed and sliced
° 1 (125g) wedge pineapple, diced or sliced
° 1 tablespoon olive oil
° 3 tablespoons water

Special Tom Yum Paste
° 150g tomatoes, peeled and diced
° 1 slice ginger
° 1 stalk lemongrass, peel off outer layers leaving tender whitish centre, cut out 7.5cm, bruised and chopped
° 1 teaspoon (1 lime) freshly squeezed kalamansi lime juice
° 2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste
° 1½ tablespoons vegetarian tom yum paste

Method
1. Blend special tom yum paste ingredients until fine in a food processor. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok. Add the okra, pineapple and stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the special tom yum paste and stir-fry briskly for a minute.
4. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately.