Authentic Indian Bhindi Masala: A Step-By-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

250 grams of Bhindi (Okra)
2 medium Onions, finely chopped
2 medium Tomatoes, finely chopped
1 Green Chili, finely chopped
3 cloves of Garlic, minced
1 inch piece of Ginger, minced
1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon of Red Chili Powder
1 teaspoon of Coriander Powder
1/2 teaspoon of Garam Masala
2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
1/2 teaspoon of Cumin Seeds
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons of fresh Coriander Leaves, finely chopped

Steps and instructions

Wash the bhindi (okra) thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry completely with a kitchen towel. Slice off the head and tail and cut them into 1 inch pieces.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add the bhindi and sauté on medium heat until they are cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Now add the minced ginger and garlic, and the finely chopped green chili. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell of the ginger and garlic goes away.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.
Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the sautéed bhindi to the pan. Mix well so that the bhindi is coated with the spices.
Add salt to taste and the garam masala. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Enjoy your Bhindi Masala hot with roti or rice.

Tools for making

Cutting Board - Used for chopping and slicing the vegetables.
Knife - Essential for cutting the bhindi, onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic.
Pan - Used for sautéing the bhindi and cooking the masala.
Spatula - To stir and mix the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring Spoons - For accurately measuring the spices.
Kitchen Towel - To dry the washed bhindi before cooking.
Plate - To transfer the cooked bhindi masala for serving.
Serving Bowl - To serve the bhindi masala.

Recipe variations

Add diced potatoes along with bhindi to make Aloo Bhindi Masala.
Include other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and texture.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add a tablespoon of roasted besan (gram flour) to the masala for a slightly nutty flavor.
Make it vegan by substituting the ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil.
Add a tablespoon of yogurt or cream at the end to make the masala creamier.
For a tangy twist, squeeze a little lemon juice or add a teaspoon of dry mango powder (amchur).
Include paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes to make it a Bhindi Paneer Masala.
For a non-vegetarian option, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the masala.
Experiment with different spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, or fenugreek seeds for variations in flavor.

Recipe overview

Savor the flavors of India with this Bhindi Masala recipe, a spicy and tangy dish made from okra (also known as 'bhindi'), an array of aromatic spices, and a sauté of onions and tomatoes. This recipe is a perfect choice for those seeking to experiment with Indian cuisine at home, or for seasoned cooks looking for a fuss-free meal idea. In this recipe, okra is sautéd and then cooked in a luscious gravy made with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and traditional Indian spices. The end result is a flavorful, semi-dry dish that pairs perfectly with roti (Indian bread) or rice. Expect a cooking journey that is not only easy and straightforward, but also full of fun. The aromas that fill your kitchen will transport you straight to the streets of India. Even better, this Bhindi Masala recipe is healthy, vegan, and gluten-free too. Enjoy the journey of cooking and feasting on this Indian delicacy!

Common questions

How do I prepare the okra for this recipe? Wash the bhindi (okra) thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry completely with a kitchen towel. Slice off the head and tail and cut them into 1 inch pieces.
How do I cook the okra? Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add the bhindi and sauté on medium heat until they are cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
What should I do with the onions? Finely chop the onions before cooking.
What spices are needed for this recipe? You will need turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin seeds, and salt to taste.
How do I garnish the dish? Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.
What can I serve Bhindi Masala with? Bhindi Masala goes well with roti or rice.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping the vegetables.
Knife - For slicing the bhindi and chopping the onions, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic.
Pan - A non-stick or stainless steel pan for sautéing the bhindi and cooking the masala.
Spatula - To stir and flip the bhindi while sautéing.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the spices.
Kitchen Towel - To dry the washed bhindi before slicing.
Serving Bowl - To present the Bhindi Masala before serving.
Garnishing Tool - A tool like a pair of kitchen scissors or a herb stripper to chop or strip coriander leaves for garnishing.

Origin stories

Bhindi Masala, also known as Okra Curry, is a popular dish that hails from North India. The use of Bhindi (Okra) in Indian cuisine dates back centuries. The humble vegetable was brought to India from Ethiopia during the 12th or 13th century through trade routes. The culinary richness of India embraced the peculiar texture and unique taste of this vegetable, giving birth to a variety of dishes, one of which is Bhindi Masala. This dish is a delicious blend of Bhindi sautéed with an array of spices that bring out the flavors and aroma typical of North Indian cuisine. Fun fact, though Bhindi is often disliked for its ‘slimy’ texture, this very characteristic makes it a great agent for thickening soups and stews in many global cuisines! So, while you relish the taste of Bhindi Masala, know that you are enjoying a vegetable deeply rooted in culinary history and versatility.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.