Delicious Okra Recipes: Easy & Authentic Indian Dishes to Try Today

Okra, known as bhindi in Hindi, is a beloved vegetable in Indian households. Its unique texture and ability to absorb spices make it a staple in many dishes. In this blog, we explore some of the most popular and easy-to-make okra recipes that bring the authentic flavors of India to your table.

1. Bhindi Masala (Spicy Stir-Fried Okra)

A classic North Indian dish, bhindi masala combines tender okra with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a dry curry that's perfect with roti or rice.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh okra, washed and chopped

• 1 large onion, finely sliced

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• 2 green chilies, slit

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.

2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

4. Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well.

5. Add chopped okra and cook on medium heat until tender.

6. Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.

7. Serve hot with roti or rice.

2. Bhindi Do Pyaza (Okra with Double Onions)

This dish features okra cooked with two types of onions—sliced and ground—creating a rich, flavorful curry.

Ingredients:

• 500g okra, chopped

• 2 large onions, one sliced and one ground into a paste

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds.

2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden.

3. Add ground onion paste and cook until the oil separates.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

5. Add coriander and cumin powders, salt, and mix well.

6. Add chopped okra and cook until tender.

7. Serve with naan or steamed rice.

3. Stuffed Okra (Masala Bharwan Bhindi)

A delightful dish where okra is stuffed with a spicy mix of gram flour and spices, then sautéed to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 500g okra, slit lengthwise

• 3 tbsp gram flour (besan)

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Mix gram flour with red chili powder, coriander powder, amchur, and salt.

2. Stuff the okra with this spice mixture.

3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the stuffed okra until golden and cooked through.

4. Serve with chapati or paratha.

Conclusion

Okra is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in numerous ways to suit different palates. These recipes are just a starting point. Experiment with spices and cooking methods to create your own signature okra dishes. Remember, the key to great Indian cooking lies in the balance of spices and the love you put into your food.