Bhindi Masala is a popular North Indian dish made with fresh okra (bhindi) cooked in a flavorful blend of spices, onions, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. The okra is sautéed until tender yet crisp, creating a dish with a perfect balance of textures and rich, spicy flavors. It’s a delightful vegetarian dish often enjoyed with Indian bread or rice.
Here’s a detailed recipe for Bhindi Masala, a flavorful Indian dish made with okra (bhindi) and spices:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams fresh okra (bhindi), washed, dried, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons oil (preferably vegetable or mustard oil)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Wash the okra thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry before cutting them into 1-inch pieces. This helps in reducing the sliminess of the okra during cooking.
- Heat oil in a pan or skillet on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma of ginger-garlic diminishes.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
- Now, add all the dry spices – turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook the spices for a minute.
- Add the chopped okra (bhindi) to the pan. Stir gently to coat the okra with the spice mixture. Be careful not to break the okra pieces.
- Cook the bhindi on medium-low heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the okra is tender. Keep checking and stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
- Once the okra is cooked through and tender, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and turn off the heat.
Your delicious Bhindi Masala is ready to be served! It goes well with roti, naan, or steamed rice.
Enjoy your meal!
