Bhindi Masala is an Indian recipe that brings out the fresh and distinct flavor and feel of this vegetable locally called okra. This vegetarian dish is not only light and quick to cook but incredibly tasty – a favorite among Indian family members. Bhindi Masala is a typical item that demonstrates that the meal can be made with a few simple ingredients and be very beneficial for health.
What Makes Bhindi Masala Special?
Bhindi Masala is known for its spicy and distinct taste with the right blend of spices. The journey of the dish starts with fresh bhindi; it is cleaned thoroughly with water and then pat dried and cut into small pieces. The most important step when preparing Bhindi Masala is to make sure the okra is perfectly dry before cooking om order to avoid any sliminess. This extended attention to detail makes Bhindi Masala distinguishable from other okra dishes.
To make Bhindi Masala the okra is fried in oil until just crisp-tender. This step is critical as it improves the texture and ensures the bhindi can better pick up the spices used. After the okra is cooked it is kept aside and then the base of the masala is begun.
The Flavorful Masala Base
The secret ingredient to Bhindi Masala is its masala base. This is done by heating cumin seeds in hot oil till they start to ‘pop’ and they will release their distinct earthy aroma. Onions are then finely chopped and sautéed till golden brown to give it a sweet, caramelized flavor. The use of ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies contributes to the boldness of the dish and adds some spiciness to it.
Diced tomatoes are added next and they are simmered until they turn into a soft puree. This forms the saucy part of the Bhindi Masala and to this turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chilly powder are added. It is rich with the flavor of the spices used; they all add to the spice and aroma of the meal.
Bringing It All Together
After the aroma of the masala base is obtained, the sautéed bhindi is returned to the pan. The okra is then gently folded with the masala ensuring it gets well coated with the spice. This step is critical to make sure that each and every piece of bhindi is coated properly and has the perfect amount of flavor. It is then cooked for a few more minutes to allow the food to be well mixed to enable the food to have a perfect blending of the various flavors.
Lastly, some garam masala is dusted over the Bhindi Masala to provide yet another extra dimension of flavor. Fresh coriander leaves are used as a garnish and enhance the freshness and color of the food.
Serving Suggestions
Bhindi Masala tastes great with rice, chapattis, or even phulkas. It goes well with roti or naan and can be a great meal option. If one wants it as a meal, they should have it with steamed rice or a flavorful pulao. The ingredients used to prepare Bhindi Masala are not very strong therefore this adds to the meal without interfering with the kind of meal you are eating.
Nutritional Benefits
This is in addition to its yummy taste as with other foods; Bhindi Masala also serves as a source of food. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals. It should be mentioned that spices added to give Bhindi Masala a particular taste have some nutritional value as well. For instance, turmeric has anti-inflammatory activities while cumin is a carminative.
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Authentic Bhindi Masala Recipe: Quick and Easy Indian Okra Dish
Description
Okra Curry is an Indian dish made from okra which is seasoned with spices. It can be substituted as meat and it has a good taste with roti naan or rice.
Ingredients
Optional Ingredients:
Instructions
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Prepare the Bhindi:
- Wash the bhindi (okra) thoroughly and pat them dry using a kitchen towel.
- It's important to dry them completely to prevent them from becoming slimy while cooking.
- Cut the bhindi into 1-inch pieces, discarding the tops and tails.
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Heat the Oil:
- In a large pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
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Cook the Bhindi:
- Add the chopped bhindi to the hot oil and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
- Remove the bhindi from the pan and set aside.
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Temper the Spices:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell of ginger-garlic is gone.
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Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
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Combine Bhindi with Masala:
- Add the sautéed bhindi back to the pan and mix well with the masala.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Ensure the bhindi is well coated with the masala.
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Finish the Dish:
- Sprinkle garam masala over the bhindi and mix well.
- If using amchur powder, add it at this stage for a tangy flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
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Serve:
- Serve the Bhindi Masala hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 160kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 402mg17%
- Potassium 392mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 1124 IU
- Vitamin C 26 mg
- Calcium 79 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 1 mg
- Phosphorus 66 mg
- Magnesium 53 mmol
- Zinc 1 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Ensure the bhindi is dry before cooking to prevent it from becoming slimy.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference.
- You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors if desired.
- For a richer taste, you can add a little bit of cream or yogurt towards the end of cooking.
