Bharwan Bhindi

Bharwan Bhindi, also known as stuffed okra, is a delicious Indian dish where okra is slit and filled with a spicy and tangy masala mixture before being cooked. Here’s a recipe to make Bharwan Bhindi:

Ingredients:

• 250 grams okra (bhindi)
• 2 tablespoons oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

For the Masala Filling:

• 2 tablespoons roasted chickpea flour (besan)
• 1 tablespoon ground peanuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
• 1 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Okra:
   • Wash the okra and pat them dry completely using a kitchen towel. Trim the ends of the okra and slit them lengthwise, keeping one end intact.
2. Prepare the Masala Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine roasted chickpea flour, ground peanuts (if using), crushed fennel seeds, amchur, garam masala, chaat masala, and salt. Mix well to combine.
3. Stuff the Okra:
   • Fill each slit okra with the prepared masala filling mixture. Ensure the okra is evenly stuffed.
4. Cook the Bharwan Bhindi:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the stuffed okra to the pan in a single layer.
   • Cook the okra for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are lightly browned and tender. Remove the cooked okra from the pan and set aside.
5. Prepare the Gravy:
   • In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
   • Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
   • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
6. Seasoning and Spices:
   • Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are fragrant.
7. Add Cooked Okra:
   • Once the gravy is ready, gently add the cooked stuffed okra to the pan. Stir gently to coat the okra with the gravy.
8. Simmer:
   • Cover the pan and let the Bharwan Bhindi simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.

Enjoy the flavorful and aromatic Bharwan Bhindi as a main course dish or as a side dish with your favorite Indian meal.