Best Bhindi Masala Spicy Okra Curry Recipes

EASY & AUTHENTIC BHINDI MASALA (OKRA CURRY)

Steps:

• Wash and dry the okra. Chop the okra into 1/2-3/4 inch pieces, discarding the stems. The easiest way to do this is to line a few of them up and cut them at the same time. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp salt on the okra and mix. Set aside.
• Heat a wide-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, add half of the chopped okra. Stir-fry the okra, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until the slime disappears and the okra starts to crisp and brown. I like to sprinkle a bit more salt on the okra here. Use a slotted spoon to remove the okra from the pan and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining batch. Remove the pan from heat, and wipe clean to remove any excess seeds, if needed.
• Heat another 2 tbsp of oil over high heat and add the onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden, about 10 minutes. If the onions start sticking to the bottom of the pan, deglaze with a tablespoon or 2 of water. And add the garlic and ginger, if using, and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the cubed tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes soften, about 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining 3/4 tsp salt, cumin seeds and spice powders (coriander, cumin, turmeric and red chili). The oil should start separating from the masala or base of the curry. Add the fried okra and green chili pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt.
• Lower the heat and allow the okra to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lemon, if desired. This dry curry is typically served with roti, naan, or other bread but can also be eaten as a side with rice.

BHINDI MASALA (OKRA WITH RED ONION AND TOMATO)

Steps:

• In a medium (9-inch) frying pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons ghee over medium-high for 30 to 45 seconds or until it has melted. Add okra and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes or until okra starts to brown around the edges. (Cooking okra undisturbed helps eliminate the gooeyness.) Stir once so the sides with less color can brown next, then cook for another 5 minutes or until all the okra is brown around the edges. (This may take slightly longer if using frozen okra.) Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon ghee to the same frying pan and heat over medium-high until it melts. Add ginger and garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, until the raw smell dissipates. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions begin to soften, about 3 to 5 minutes. (The onions should still have a little bite.)
• Lower the heat to medium and add red chile, coriander and turmeric, and stir until the masalas are uniformly mixed with the onion, about 30 seconds. Add tomato and salt. Continue cooking on medium until tomatoes break down, about 5 minutes.
• Add okra back to the pan and mix until incorporated. Sprinkle with lime juice and garam masala. Serve with roti, store-bought pita or by itself.

BHINDI MASALA

Steps:

• Rinse and completely dry okra with paper towels. Use a clean dry cutting board and knife, cut dried okra into diagonally sliced pieces, discarding the top and the bottom. If you notice the knife getting sticky, wipe it clean with paper towels.
• Heat half of the oil in a medium nonstick pan. Add okra and saute uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes stirring a few times, until the okra is almost cooked but still has a slight crunch to it. Do not over-stir. Take the okra out and reserve. In the same pan add the remaining oil.
• Add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle. Add sliced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add ginger, garlic, tomatoes and mix well. Add salt, turmeric, red chili powder, ground coriander, and garam masala mix well. Cook for 2 minutes or just until the onions start to soften a bit.
• Add the reserved okra and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the okra is cooked to your desired consistency.