Bhindi Masala | Okra Masala

Bhindi Masala is a simple dish made using bhindi or okra along with onions, tomatoes, and other spices. I have a soft spot for Bhindi since childhood, just like many others around me. Back in school, if anyone brought bhindi in their lunchbox, it was like ringing the dinner bell for everyone else! Poor soul couldn’t even touch their lunch before it vanished into hungry mouths.

However, when I moved to the US, particularly in Seattle, I realized that Bhindi wasn’t as well-known. It was a rarity, mostly found in Indian stores, often overgrown and lacking that familiar taste. But my journey took me to Atlanta, where I discovered a Southern favorite – Fried Okra. It was a relief! Not only did I find better quality bhindi there, but also a dish that reminded me of home.

Today I am sharing my version of Bhindi Masala.

Ingredients

Preparation:

Fresh okra (bhindi), onion, tomato, green chilies, ginger, garlic cloves, sesame seeds, peanuts

For making Bhindi Masala:

Peanut oil, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, Garam Masala, salt to taste.

For garnish

coriander leaves, sesame seeds

Recipe Instructions

Preparation:

• Begin by trimming the ends of the okra and slicing them lengthwise into halves.

• In a dry grinder, grind roasted sesame seeds and roasted peanuts to a fine powder. Keep it aside.

• In the wet grinder, grind together onion, tomato, ginger garlic and green chilies. Keep it aside as well.

Making Bhindi Masala:

• Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.

• Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.

• Toss in the onion- tomato paste and cook till the color changes to brown and oil starts separating from the masala.

• Add sesame and peanut powder and cook for a minute red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt.

• Now, gently fold in the sliced okra, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the masala mixture.

• Let the okra cook over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Once the okra is tender and cooked through, sprinkle garam masala on top and give it a final stir.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and sesame seeds. Serve hot with roti, rice, or your favorite Indian bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Bhindi Masala pairs beautifully with hot fulka rotis, naan, or steamed rice.
• For a complete meal, serve it alongside dal (lentil curry), raita (yogurt sauce), and your favorite chutneys.

Tips and Tricks

• When selecting okra for this dish, opt for small to medium-sized pods that are firm and vibrant in color. Avoid ones that are overly large or feel soft to the touch

• To prevent the okra from becoming slimy while cooking, make sure to wash and thoroughly dry them before slicing.

• For added flavor and texture, you can lightly fry the okra in oil before adding it to the masala.

• Adding a squeeze of lemon juice when you add bhindi to the skillet, will also prevent okra from getting slimy and enhance the flavor of the dish.

• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies.

• Wash and dry the okra ahead of time. Slice them as needed and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, when you’re ready to cook, you can simply grab the pre-cut okra, saving you time and effort.
• Measure out the spices required for the recipe and mix them together in a small bowl or container. This way, when it’s time to cook, you can simply add the pre-mixed spices to the dish, streamlining the cooking process.
• Chop the onions and tomatoes in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will cut down on prep time when you’re ready to cook the Bhindi Masala, allowing you to get the dish on the table even faster.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?

A: While fresh okra is preferred for the best texture, you can certainly use frozen okra if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

Q: Is Bhindi Masala vegan-friendly?

A: Yes, Bhindi Masala is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. It’s a great option for those following a plant-based diet.