Bhindi Masala is a semi gravy side dish from Punjab made with sautéed bhindi (okra) cooked in a spicy masala that goes very well with chapatis, rotis or phulka.
This is one of my favorite recipe using bhindi as you cannot feel the sliminess of the vegetable in any way.
At home we like to have this subzi hot and spicy but you can very well adjust the spice levels according to your taste.
It is also very easy to pack for kids and adults in lunch boxes as its not loose enough to spill.
Its exam time and with two boys studying in different schools with different timings, I’m having a very difficult time coping up with them and I’m spending more time driving around in the hot sun and studying subjects with them.
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Even when I was their age, neither do I remember being stressed out like this nor my mom over me.
Back then exams were a breeze, and the time just flew past in anticipation over the arrival of holidays but now even before the holidays begin, my kids start their long tone of “its going to be boring”.
I wonder in which decade did this transition take place.
As and by they grow, it is becoming more difficult to keep them entertained for some period of time.
They get so bored easily, lose interest over activities very quickly and most importantly they abhor any form physical activity.
They insist on spending their time sitting in front of the computer with their eyes stuck to the monitor playing games and I send out a silent prayer, “God help me, give me patience and energy so that I could sail over these holidays without much tension”.
Points to note:
Make sure that the okra is dry as any moisture content before sautéing would make it squishy which will make the masala slimy.
You can also add amchur powder (dry mango powder) while adding the dry masala (spice) powders.
As I did not have it at hand, I added chaat masala powder at the end to pep it up a little. Make sure that you cook the okra at low flame to ensure even and proper cooking.
If you are looking for some easy side dish recipes to serve with chapathis or rotis, then check out
Bhindi Masala Recipe details below:
Bhindi Masala Recipe
Ingredients
- Bhindi or Okra - 200 gms
- Onion – 1
- Tomato – 2
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Ginger garlic paste – 1 tsp
- Coriander powder – 3 tsp
- Red chili powder – 2 tsp
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
- Garam masala powder – 1 tsp
- Chaat masala powder – 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Kasuri Methi - 1/2 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Oil – 2 tbsp
Instructions
Preparation:
- Wash the bhindi (okra) well and wipe it with a clean kitchen towel or let it air dry completely. There should not be any moisture.
- Trim the ends and cut the okra into 1 inch length pieces.
- Chop the onion and tomatoes finely and keep aside.
Cook bhindi:
- Heat a pan with 3 tsp oil. Add okra and sauté over low flame for 8 to 10 mins.
- Keep turning with a spoon frequently for even cooking on all sides. Transfer to a plate and keep aside.
Make bhindi masala:
- Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Add cumin seeds and let it sizzle.
- Add the onions and cook for a minute. Add the ginger garlic paste, mix well and let it cook till the onions turn translucent.
- Add tomatoes, a pinch of salt and cook till the tomatoes turn mushy.
- Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, salt and mix well. The mixture will become dry.
- Sprinkle just a handful of water and let the masala cook over low flame till the raw smell disappears. This should take 2-3 mins.
- Add the sautéed bhindi to the thick gravy. Crush the kasuri methi between your palm and sprinkle it over the gravy. Mix well and let it cook for 2 more mins.
- Take off stove and sprinkle chaat masala powder (if using).
- Bhindi masala is ready to be served hot with chapathis or rotis or phulkas.
This looks absolutely yummy!
bhindi masala looks awesome..
tempting click . i rarely prepare this masala that too south indian Rice.
Your masala looks so delicious and packed with flavours!
Wonderful…sautéing bhindis first is a Gud idea..
According to my husband, spicy is yummy.. He would definitely love this..
Delicious and mouthwatering bhindi masala. Excellent preparation.
Deepa
I love okra and i do make bindi do pyasa. I ve never tried vengayam thakali combo with okra but that pan is tempting me now
yummy recipe nd lovely clicks.what is biryanipoo?pls clarify my doubt.
Okra has just appeared in the markets here in Virginia, USA. I bought a half pound a few days ago and made your recipe tonight. It is just as delicious as it looks. Thank you for posting. -Dave
Thanks for the feedback Dave. Glad you liked it.
Benni
This is a delicious and easy recipe. Except the red chilli powder I used was REALLY hot so I’m going to have to pare it down next time, haha! Oh, and I used fresh ginger and garlic as well because I didn’t have the paste. Thank you so much!
Wow. Looks great! How big onion and tomato? How many cups chopped?
Thanks for stopping by Trina. You can use 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1 cup of chopped tomatoes.
Reshma niyaz
I tried this recipe at first time.it came very tasty….thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Reshma. I’m so glad it came out well for you.
Shelley
Can you use chicken, lamb or pork instead of okra?