Step 1

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add ajwain seeds and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 1 minute. Add turmeric and asafetida and swirl skillet to combine, then add chile. Increase heat to high; add okra, coriander, and fennel seeds and toss gently with a metal or other heatproof spatula (you don’t want to smash the okra). Reduce heat to medium and spread out okra in an even layer. Cook, tossing halfway through, until starting to brown, about 10 minutes total. (Tossing instead of stirring is the best way to keep the okra intact and from getting gummy.) Season with salt and continue to cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 5 minutes longer. (Okra may look gummy at first, but eventually it will start to char).

Step 2

Remove okra from heat; gently mix in amchoor and add lime juice to taste. Season with more salt if needed.