Bhindi Masala | Okra Masala :
Bhindi masala recipe- A simple North Indian bhindi masala that is great on flavors, tasters delicious and is healthy. Bhindi masala is a healthy dish made with okra, whole and ground spices, Onion and tomatoes. This semi dry curry made goes very well goes very well as a side with rice or a roti. It is mildly spicy, hot and full of flavors that comes from the pan fried bhindi and garam masala.
About Bhindi Masala :
Bhindi is a "Hindu term" for ' Okra' and masala is an Indian curry base made with onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs. So, 'Bhindi Masala' means okra cooked in a spicy onion tomato masala. Made with everyday ingredients, this simple bhindi masala is extremely easy to cook.
It is a common everyday side dish made in many Indian households. Since okra is available all round the year I make this pretty often for a meal.
Dal fry, Dal Tadka, Okra masala, soft rotis and some plain rice makes for a healthy, delicious and simple meal in my home.
This bhindi masala also goes will in a school/ office lunch box with some rotis. It is a kid's approved recipe and am sure they will enjoy it even on a rotation basis. For a change sometimes i also add boiled potatoes. I have the more details in the tips section below.
Okra is a veggie with lots of nutritional values so it is widely used in the Indian cuisine. Dahi Bhindi, Kurkuri bhindi and bharwa bhindi are some popular North Indian dishes. In South India, it is added to sambar, curries, stew and also stir fried with coconut.
How To Make Bhindi Masala :
1. Rinse, 250 grams Bhindi/Okra Well under running water. I usually sprinkle some salt and vinegar, rest for 15 mins. then rub and rinse them under the running water.
2. Wipe them dry with a clean cloth or Kitchen tissues. There should be no traces of moisture on the bhindi. Any moisture is going to make the veggie slimly while the cooking. Chopped off both the ends. Chop bhindi to half inche pieces. Do not chop them too thn as they tend to turn slimy after adding to the pan.
3. Saute the Bhindi : If you have an air fryer, you can skip this sauteing section and fry in the okra/Bhindi
4. Add Chopped bhindi and saute them well for 5 to 7 mins on a medium heat. Keep stirring often to fry them uniformly.
While you goes for frying the Bhindi -
> Chop 2 medium onions ( 1 cup chopped )
> chop 1 green chilli
> puree or chop 2 medium tomatoes ( 1 cup of chopped or pureed )
> Make a fine paste of half inch ginger and 2 garlic cloves. or 3/4 tablespoon fine chopped.
5. Bhindi don't get cooked , completely after sauteing but the sticky substance will be gone. They will be crunchy at this stage. Transfer to a plate.
6. Make Onion Tomato Masala - Add another 1 to 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil turns hot, and half teaspoon cumin seeds. When they shift to splutter, add 1 cup chopped onions and 2 green chilli ( you also skip chilli when they have kids or who not eat chilli ).
7. Saute the onions until the golden brown. Add 3/4 tablespoon ginger garlic paste. Sautee until the ginger garlic smells good. This just takes about for 1 minutes.
8. Add 1 cup chopped tomatoes or puree and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
9. Saute well until the tomatoes turn completely mushy.
> Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
> 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
> 3/4 to 1 teaspoon garam masala
> 3/4 teaspoon of coriander powder
> I have also used Home Garam masala. Make use of a good flavorful garam masala.
10. Saute this masala well until it becomes thick, comes together and smell good. Add 6 spoon of water and mix well. Cook this masala until it turns thick. It is very important to cook this onion tomato masala with water
Take 1/2 teaspoon kasuri methi in your palm. Crush it well in between your palms. Add it here.
11. Cook Bhindi Masala- Add fried bhindi/ lady finger Mix everything very well. Cover and cook on a low to medium heat until the bhindi turns tender (In this step also gave a good aroma ).
12. We prefer the semi dry curry so I salute for another 2 to 3 mins of dry up excess moisture. Please do not overcook the Bhindi.
At Last Serve the Bhindi Masala With Plain rice, ghee or Roti.