Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Recipe: Bhindi Masala

Category Main course vegetable
Region All of India
Also Called Several names (depending upon the region)
Descriptive English Name Spicy Okra (Spicy Lady's Fingers)
Served Hot, with roti (whole wheat Indian bread), or steamed white rice
Serves 4
Cooking Time 20 minutes

Introduction
Want to have okra the Indian way? There are many Indian okra recipes. You can have okra in curries, in chutneys, and even in pickles. Mostly it is served with roti. Given below is a quick and easy okra recipe to spice up your meal.

Ingredients
1 lb okra
1/4 cup cooking oil
2 medium diced onions
3/4 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon amchoor powder (dry mango powder)
4 tablespoons margarine
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup cooking oil
2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon garam masala (a mixture of multiple Indian aromatic spices available at any Indian store)
2 tablespoons coriander leaves (cilantro) without stems
1 teaspoon salt (or as per taste)

Method
- Wash the okra under running water. Cut off the ends of the okra. Pat the okra dry with a clean kitchen towel. If you leave them wet, your dish will end up sticky and slimy. Slice into halves and set aside.

- In a wok or a heavy skillet, heat the oil and stir-fry the onions until they become translucent. Throw in all the spices except the garam masala and stir-fry for another minute. Add the tomatoes and cook the mixture over medium-high heat. Stir constantly till it takes on a uniform consistency. You will be left with a thick sauce. Now add the okra and stir-fry for 2 minutes.

- Ensure that the okra is evenly coated with the sauce. But do not stir vigorously as this will cause the okra to get mashed. Cover and steam over medium heat until tender (about 15 minutes).

- Serve the okra on a warm serving plate and sprinkle the garam masala over it.

- Garnish with coriander leaves. You could also add chopped onions to spice up the dish.

Smart Tips
- Do not overcook. Turn off the heat while the okra are still firm.

- Do not overheat the oil as this will cause the onion and spice mix to burn.



Note: Bhindi recipes can be of many different types. Make sure to visit some of the other recipes we have here:

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can you please post the picture of the said curry.

Aruna.

Anonymous said...

Can you please post the picture of the receipe.

Aruna.

Anonymous said...

I tried it out and it turned out nice. Thanks! One question though - wasn't clear where 'margarine' figures in the process?

Anonymous said...

Hi There, I have tried the bhindi recipe, with a variation-- Instead of cooking the okra on stovetop, I baked it in the conventional oven for about 10 minutes and a heat 350F ( it depends on the size u cut the okra into, and i monitored it constantly) and then u can broil it for a min or two if u want it to be extra crunchy..But before you put the okras into the oven, make sure u have used at least a tablespoon of cooking oil and given it thorough twist to coat their surfaces well.

Anonymous said...

I did it the above mentioned way because I thought it can avoid the okras from getting mushy. And it worked! You will also be using a lot less oil for its cooking, which is healthier.

Anonymous said...

My goodness I think somebody's tin fil hat is on a bit snug this morning.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I think someone should call Planters. I think their giant nut got loose.

Anonymous said...

thanx for the recipe, it turned out well for me....I liked the minute detail you mentioned not to have the lady fingers wet which can make the stuff sticky!! Not exactly when but I remember that my mom too mentioned this to me...

Can you post some recipe for making something with paneer (cottage cheese)??

adriennefriend said...

Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe. I cannot sing its praises enough. I made it for my partner tonight and we both agreed that it is one of the best things we have ever EATEN. We are going to get some more okra at the farmer's market this week just so I might make this again. Thanks again for this gem.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the recipe and Smitha for the tip. Made it for the first time and everyone liked it :)

Kaustubh

Sabeen said...

Bhindi Masala is awesome Recipe. Thanks for this beautiful Recipe.

Restaurant in Laxmi Nagar Market said...

Looks delicious and I love how easy to follow the recipes are. Would love to try it out.
Restaurant Near Laxmi Nagar

Rithika said...

Yummy, This Bhindi Kurkuri recipe was awesome in taste. thank you for sharing this recipe to us.