Bhindi Masala
Spiced Okra
A popular and flavorful Indian dish featuring okra stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. This 'dry' preparation ensures the okra is tender yet not slimy, making it a delightful everyday vegetable accompaniment.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Okra (bhindi)
- 2 medium Onions
- 1 medium Tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp Amchur (dried mango powder)
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 tsp Red chili powder
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Okra: Ensure the okra is completely dry after washing. Any moisture will cause it to become slimy during cooking. Trim off the stem and tip ends, then slice the okra into rounds about 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) thick. Set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Fry the Okra: Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a wide pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced okra in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is lightly browned and develops a slightly crispy texture. Remove the fried okra from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same pan over medium heat. If using, add cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture, about 3-4 minutes.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Add Spices and Combine: Reduce heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, amchur, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Return the fried okra to the pan. Gently toss everything together to coat the okra evenly with the spice mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Serve Hot: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Bhindi Masala is best served hot as a side dish with Indian breads like roti, chapati, or paratha, or with rice.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to non-slimy bhindi is to ensure it is thoroughly dried after washing and to cook it over sufficiently high heat.
- ✓Frying the okra separately before adding it to the masala helps achieve a better texture.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the okra; cook in batches if necessary.
- ✓Amchur (dried mango powder) provides a characteristic tang. If unavailable, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice added just before serving can be a good substitute.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Masala Bhindi: Add finely chopped green chilies along with onions for extra heat.
- Stuffed Bhindi: Make a slit in whole okra and stuff with a mixture of ground spices and sometimes nuts.
- Kurkuri Bhindi: Slice okra very thinly and deep-fry until extremely crisp, often served as a snack.