If there’s one traditional bhindi (okra) dish with North Indian flavors, it’s the Bhindi Masala. It is a semi-dry preparation that includes the star ingredient okra pods (bhindi in Hindi), piquant onions, tangy tomatoes, daring Indian spices and herbs. It is likely one of the hottest dishes served in virtually all eating places too, of North India. My Bhindi Masala Recipe is a simple and scrumptious Punjabi type preparation, which can be vegan, gluten free and fairly healthful. There’s a video in addition to the step-by-step image demonstration that’ll enable you to make it at your own home.

Extra on Bhindi Masala
‘Bhindi’ is the Hindi phrase for okra or woman’s fingers and ‘masala’ right here refers to a sautéed base of aromatics like onions, garlic, ginger with the standard tomatoes and a handful of Indian spices and herbs.
Therefore, the Bhindi Masala Recipe truly refers to okra or woman’s fingers cooked in a tangy and spiced base (masala) of onions, tomatoes, floor spices and herbs. The spice mixture that I’ve used on this recipe is usually added to many different Punjabi recipes.
Some years again, I had tried Bhindi Masala in a North Indian restaurant and it was tremendous pleasant, in actual fact improbable! The flavors and texture of the dish simply overpowered its simplicity.
This Bhindi Masala Recipe replicates the one that’s served in eating places. Some eating places additionally serve a gravy model of this dish. However my recipe is that of a semi-dry one.
With regards to our favourite greens at house, bhindi or okra tops the checklist. It’s fairly a staple for us, similar to the potato or aloo. We often want dry or semi-dry variations of any sabzi with bhindi.
Many of the Indian recipes with okra are easy to make and nutritious too. So is that this Bhindi Masala Recipe. If you happen to too are a fan of okra, similar to us, then do attempt these Okra Recipes.
I often add kasuri methi to my recipe of Bhindi Masala. Kasuri methi are dried fenugreek leaves which have a stunning aroma. Although it’s non-obligatory, if you would like a restaurant type model of this dish, then don’t miss on the kasuri methi.
Cook dinner Okra Completely Everytime
That is your most secure information for making one of the best Bhindi Masala, or for that matter, another dish which has bhindi or okra in it. Learn on…
Prepping Okra
- Rinsing: After rinsing okra in water, drain all of the water fully. There shouldn’t be any water or moisture on the okra pods. In any other case, whereas chopping and later whereas cooking, they’ll turn into slimy or sticky.
- Drying: Then, wipe every okra pod fully dry with a clear kitchen towel or cotton serviette. You may even dry okra pods by spreading them on a big plate or tray after which drying them underneath the fan.
- Chopping: Earlier than you chop okra, they need to be fully dry. When chopping okra, a few of the slimy substance sticks to the knife. You may wipe it with a kitchen paper towel or paper serviette after which proceed to cut.
Cooking Okra
- Cooking strategies: Sautéing, pan frying and even deep-frying okra helps in lowering its stickiness or sliminess. Once you fry or sauté okra earlier than you make a gravy or masala, it is not going to solely make your gravy or sauce style good but additionally take away the stickiness from okra. On this Bhindi Masala Recipe, I’ve sautéed okra first.
- Fat: The addition of additional oil additionally minimizes stickiness. 3 tablespoons of oil which is added on this Bhindi Masala Recipe is ideal. You may even add 4 tablespoons of oil. Nonetheless, don’t cut back the oil to 2 tablespoons.
- Souring elements: Including bitter or tangy elements assist to cut back the sliminess of the okra. Bitter and tangy elements like tomatoes, tamarind, dried mango powder (amchur powder), lime or lemon juice, vinegar, kokum (garcinia indica), curd, buttermilk are nice to be used, relying on the form of recipe or dish you’re making with okra.
On this recipe of Bhindi Masala, I’ve used tomatoes and dried mango powder which not solely impart a pleasant tangy style but additionally assist to eliminate the sliminess.
Step-by-Step Information
Learn how to make Bhindi Masala
Prep and Sauté Bhindi
1. Rinse 250 grams bhindi (okra) effectively in water utilizing a colander or strainer. Unfold them on a tray or plate and allow them to dry on their very own underneath the fan. You may even wipe dry every bhindi with a clear kitchen towel.

2. When they’re fully dry, chop every bhindi in 1 or 2 inch items.
Earlier than chopping, be certain there’s not even a single drop of water or any moisture on the okra pods.

3. In a heavy kadai, pan or skillet, warmth 2 tablespoons oil and add the chopped okra. You should utilize any neutral-tasting oil. I largely use sunflower oil or peanut oil.

4. Combine chopped bhindi effectively with the oil.

5. Now, sauté bhindi, stirring typically, on low to medium-low warmth.

6. Sauté bhindi till tender and cooked. You need to see a number of blisters or golden spots on the okra. Take away the sautéed okra and preserve apart.
Style the sautéed okra. The crunchiness shouldn’t be there. As a substitute, it is best to style a properly softened bhindi. Because of this it’s effectively cooked.
Frying or sautéing okra in oil minimizes the sliminess and stickiness on this recipe.

7. Take away the cooked bhindi in a plate and preserve apart. Additionally chop onions, tomatoes, inexperienced chilies and preserve apart. Crush ginger and garlic in mortar-pestle to get ginger-garlic paste.

Make Onion Tomato Masala
8. In the identical kadai or pan, warmth 1 tablespoon oil. Add 1 medium-sized chopped onion (⅓ cup chopped onions).
Be aware: For a richer style, you may swap oil with ghee (clarified butter).

9. Combine and start to sauté the onions on low to medium warmth.

10. Sauté onions, stirring typically, till translucent. The onions must be softened.

11. Then, add 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste and chopped inexperienced chilies.

12. Stir and sauté on low warmth till the uncooked aroma of ginger-garlic goes away. This takes about a number of seconds.

13. Subsequent, add 2 medium sized chopped tomatoes (1 cup chopped tomatoes).

14. Combine effectively and start to sauté tomatoes on low to medium-low warmth.
If the tomato combination turns into too dry and begins sticking to the pan, add a number of splashes of water – about 3 to 4 tablespoons water. Combine effectively and proceed to sauté, stirring typically.

15. Sauté tomatoes until mushy and mushy.

16. Now, add all the floor spices listed beneath:
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri pink chili powder or ½ teaspoon candy paprika or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder (floor turmeric)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala powder

17. Subsequent, add the next floor spices:
- ½ teaspoon fennel powder, non-obligatory
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon dried mango powder (amchur powder)
If you happen to should not have dried mango powder, add ½ teaspoon dried pomegranate seeds powder (anardana powder).
You may add lemon juice, however I recommend to squeeze contemporary lemon juice on high of the Bhindi Masala whereas consuming it. Including lemon juice on to the dish could make it very tangy.

18. Combine the bottom spices very effectively and sauté for a couple of seconds.

Make Bhindi Masala
19. Add the sautéed bhindi.

20. Season with salt as per style.

21. Combine very effectively.

22. Now, add ½ teaspoon crushed dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi). If you happen to should not have dried fenugreek leaves, then skip it.

23. Stir the combination effectively. Cook dinner for about 2 minutes, stirring in between. Examine the style of Bhindi Masala and add extra of the bottom spice powders and salt, if required.

24. Lastly, add 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves. Combine once more. You too can add 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves, when you should not have coriander leaves.

25. Serve Bhindi Masala sizzling or heat.

Serving Recommendations
Like all different dry okra recipes, you may savor this Bhindi Masala too with some mushy phulka, roti, or chapati. You too can take pleasure in it with naan, paratha or rumali roti. A aspect of cucumber raita or veg raita additionally pairs rather well with these combos.
Make the Bhindi Masala Recipe and likewise attempt it as a aspect dish with some dal-rice or any rice-curry mixture. You too can serve it as a aspect with any North Indian meal.
It will also be packed within the tiffin or lunch field with roti or paratha.
Skilled Ideas
- Okra or Bhindi: Purchase tender and contemporary okra pods once you plan to make any recipe with them. They need to have a easy, shiny look with a pleasant inexperienced coloration and mustn’t look dry. They shouldn’t be dense or fibrous.
- Fat: You should utilize any neutral-tasting oil to cook dinner this recipe. I often use peanut oil or sunflower oil. For a richer style, you may even make this dish in ghee (clarified butter). Optionally, it’s also possible to add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or whipping cream.
- Omitting onions and garlic: If you happen to resolve to not add onions and garlic on this recipe, then whereas sautéing tomatoes, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
- Spices: You may add much less or extra of the bottom spices, in line with your style preferences. Rather than pink chili powder, you should utilize cayenne powder too. The fennel powder (saunf powder) is non-obligatory, you may skip it. If you happen to don’t have dried mango powder (amchur powder), then you may add ½ teaspoon dried pomegranate seeds powder (anardana powder).
- Dried fenugreek leaves: If you happen to should not have dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), then merely skip them. Nevertheless it provides an excellent aroma and restaurant like style.
- Lemon or lime juice: You may add lemon juice, however I recommend to squeeze contemporary lemon juice on high of the dish whereas consuming it. Including lemon juice on to the dish could make it very tangy.
- Herbs: Rather than chopped coriander leaves, it’s also possible to add 1 tablespoon of chopped mint leaves.
- Variation: For a hearty, filling dish, you may decide so as to add roasted, sautéed or pan-fried potato cubes.
- Scaling: My recipe could be simply scaled – halved, doubled or tripled.
Extra Bhindi Recipes To Strive!
Okra Recipes
Okra Recipes
Okra Recipes
Okra Recipes
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Bhindi Masala Recipe (Punjabi Fashion)
Bhindi Masala recipe is a North Indian, Punjabi type curried dish made with tender okra pods, piquant onions, tangy tomatoes, daring spices and herbs. It is likely one of the hottest dishes served in lots of Indian eating places.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook dinner Time 25 minutes
Complete Time 45 minutes
Stop your display from going darkish whereas making the recipe
Preparation
Rinse the bhindi (okra) effectively in water for a few occasions.
Dry them on a big plate on their very own or wipe with a kitchen towel. Ensure there isn’t a moisture or water on the okra pods.
Take away the bottom and stalk whereas chopping them. Chop into 1 or 1.5 inch items.
Additionally chop onions and tomatoes. Maintain apart.
Make a paste of ginger and garlic in mortar-pestle and preserve apart.
Sautéing bhindi
Warmth 2 tbsp oil in a kadai (wok) or pan.
Add the chopped bhindi and sauté stirring typically until they’re fully cooked. You’ll have to keep watch over them and stir in between many occasions.
Style the sautéed okra and if the crunchiness isn’t there and the bhindi have turn into mushy, it means they’re cooked. Maintain the sautéed bhindi apart.
Sautéing onions, tomatoes, spices
All of the oil can be used up. So add 1 tablespoon oil to the identical pan.
Add chopped onions and sauté stirring typically on low to medium warmth until they turn into translucent and are softened.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté on low warmth for a number of seconds or until the uncooked aroma of the ginger-garlic disappears.
Add the chopped tomatoes and saute stirring typically until the tomatoes turn into mushy and mushy.
If the tomato combination turns into too dry and begins sticking to the pan, then add about ¼ cup water. Combine effectively and proceed to cook dinner.
All of the above cooking is finished in a open pan and also you don’t have to cowl the pan with the lid.
Add all of the dry floor spice powders one after the other.
Combine effectively and saute for a number of seconds on low warmth.
Making bhindi masala
Add the sautéed bhindi, crushed kasuri methi, salt and blend in order that the onion-tomato masala coats the okra effectively.
Cook dinner for about 2 minutes. Stir in between.
Then flip off the warmth and add chopped coriander leaves. Combine once more.
- Serve Bhindi Masala sizzling or heat garnished with a number of coriander leaves and accompanied with chapati, roti or naan. It will also be packed for lunch field. It additionally makes for a pleasant aspect dish with any North Indian meal.
- Okra: Purchase tender and contemporary okra pods. They need to have a easy, shiny look with a pleasant inexperienced coloration. They shouldn’t be dry, dense or fibrous.
- Scaling: You may simply halve or double the recipe.
- Omitting onions and garlic: If you happen to resolve to not add onions and garlic, then when sautéing tomatoes, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
- Spicing and seasonings: You may add much less or extra of the bottom spices in line with your style preferences.
- Dried fenugreek leaves: Skip dried fenugreek leaves when you should not have them.
- Fat: You may make this recipe in any impartial flavored oil. For a richer style you should utilize ghee (clarified butter). Optionally it’s also possible to add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or whipping cream.
- Variation: For a hearty filling dish you may decide so as to add roasted or sauteed or pan fried potato cubes.
Vitamin Details
Bhindi Masala Recipe (Punjabi Fashion)
Quantity Per Serving
Energy 176 Energy from Fats 126
% Each day Worth*
Fats 14g22%
Saturated Fats 1g6%
Sodium 403mg18%
Potassium 393mg11%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 1127IU23%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 1mg67%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1mg59%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1mg5%
Vitamin B6 1mg50%
Vitamin C 27mg33%
Vitamin E 6mg40%
Vitamin Okay 32µg30%
Calcium 81mg8%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 61µg15%
Iron 1mg6%
Magnesium 55mg14%
Phosphorus 68mg7%
Zinc 1mg7%
* P.c Each day Values are primarily based on a 2000 calorie weight-reduction plan.
This Bhindi Masala recipe put up from the archives first revealed on April 2013 has been up to date and republished on November 2022.