Okra Masala (Bindi Bhaji)

Revealed: Jan 24, 2024 · This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks.

Prepare to boost your dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Bhindi Masala – a basic Indian dish that is so simple as it’s scrumptious. And it is 100% vegan and prepared in half-hour too.

So that you might need seen the phrase okra right here and are at the moment considering – has she misplaced her thoughts?! However follow me. This Bhindi Masala is a dish even non-okra lovers can get behind. (And I do know, as a result of I’m one among them.)

I first printed a model of this recipe titled Bhindi Bhaji, which was generously shared by Terry Hope Romero as a pattern recipe from her cookbook Vegan Eats World. The recipe has been up to date barely over time, and I’ve added my very own images. However I nonetheless extremely advocate you check out that cookbook!

This Bhindi Masala Recipe is…

Authentically Flavorful: With conventional spices like garam masala, turmeric, and amchur, it is a style of India in each chunk.
Surprisingly Easy: Regardless of its advanced flavors, this recipe is easy and straightforward to comply with.
Adaptable: Whether or not you prefer it spicy or gentle, this dish may be tailor-made to your palate.
Vegan!

What’s Bhindi Masala?

Bhindi Masala, is a basic Indian dish that has discovered its approach into the hearts and kitchens of meals lovers worldwide. The identify itself is a direct nod to its primary ingredient and preparation fashion: “Bhindi” in Hindi means okra, and “Masala” refers to a combination of spices. The precise origin of Bhindi Masala is a bit hazy, nevertheless it’s broadly believed to have originated within the northern elements of India.

Key Elements & Substitutions

Okra

The star of the dish. If recent okra is not accessible, frozen okra could be a good substitute, although you’ll need to defrost and dry it completely first to keep away from getting a slimy texture.

Garam Masala

This basic spice mix is on the coronary heart of many Indian dishes. It is price splurging on a quality brand (like this one) for all your Indian cooking.

Amchur Powder (Dry Mango Powder)

Provides a tangy twist. Yow will discover amchur powder at Indian grocers or grab it online here. If unavailable, lime juice works as a straightforward various.

Cayenne Pepper

For warmth lovers! Scale back or omit this for a milder model of the recipe.

Useful Suggestions & Variations

Shopping for Okra

When choosing okra, select medium-sized okra that really feel crisp to the contact. Darkish inexperienced Indian okra or gentle inexperienced okra each work nicely for this recipe. Yow will discover okra at any Indian grocery retailer.

Dry the Okra

Earlier than cooking, make sure the okra is utterly dry to keep away from it turning into too slimy. That sliminess is the rationale most individuals do not like okra. I recommend getting a paper towel and actually drying off each bit of okra earlier than you slice it.

Stir Gently!

Okra is delicate. Stir gently to keep away from breaking them aside – you don’t need a mushy mess.

Add Protein

Throw in some pan-fried tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for an added protein enhance.

Serving Strategies

Serve your bhindi masala over steamed basmati rice or with a facet of Indian bread like rotis or vegan naan bread.

Extra Vegan Recipes

When you love this Bhindi Masala, be sure you try these different tasty vegan concepts:

Recipe

Bhindi Masala (Okra Masala)

Boost your dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Bhindi Masala – a basic Indian dish that is so simple as it’s scrumptious. 100% vegan and prepared in half-hour.

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Course: Important dish

Delicacies: Indian / Vegan / Wholesome

Weight loss plan: ,

Key phrase: bhindi masala, Indian dish, Indian recipe, masala recipe, okra masala

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook dinner Time: 15 minutes

Whole Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Energy: 77kcal

Elements

1 pound recent okra pods
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
3 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 massive onion chopped
2 teaspoons Garam Masala plus further for garnish
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper elective, for much less warmth
1 teaspoon salt
2 to 4 tablespoons water or broth
1 cup chopped tomatoes recent or canned
1 teaspoon dried mango powder amchur or lime juice

Directions

Put together Okra. Trim the ends off the okra and lower them into ½-inch items.
Cook dinner Mustard Seeds.In a big skillet, warmth the oil over excessive warmth. Add mustard seeds. As soon as they begin popping, cut back warmth to medium.
Add Garlic and Onion. Sauté garlic for just a few seconds, then add onion. Cook dinner till the onion is mushy, about 3 minutes.
Add okra to the skillet. Combine in Garam Masala, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. Cook dinner for five minutes, stirring sometimes.
Add water or broth, cut back warmth to low. Cowl and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring sometimes.
If it sticks to the pan, add a bit of extra water or broth.
Add tomatoes and amchur powder or lime juice. Cook dinner uncovered for 3-4 minutes till tomatoes are mushy.
Style and regulate seasoning as desired. Garnish with further garam masala. Serve heat with rice, rotis, or naan bread.