Bhindi curry, also known as okra curry, is a beloved vegetable dish that has won hearts across India for its unique texture and delightful flavors. This humble yet flavorful curry highlights the slender green pods of bhindi, cooked with aromatic spices to create a dish that is both comforting and nutritious.
Whether you’re a seasoned Indian food lover or just starting your culinary journey into Indian vegetarian cuisine, this bhindi curry recipe is a must-try. It pairs beautifully with rice or Indian breads like roti and naan, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Indian cuisine offers an array of ways to prepare bhindi curry, from dry stir-fries to rich, saucy gravies. This recipe embraces the traditional approach, balancing tangy tomatoes, earthy spices, and the subtle sweetness of okra.
The result is a curry that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a wholesome family dinner. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bhindi curry is cherished for its simplicity and incredible taste. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Fresh and vibrant: The okra remains tender but not mushy, retaining a lovely bite.
- Spice balanced: A perfect blend of spices that enhances but doesn’t overpower the natural flavor of bhindi.
- Nutritious: Low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Easy to make: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps, ideal for home cooks.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main or side dish, complementing a variety of Indian meals.
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh bhindi (okra), washed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil (mustard oil or vegetable oil works well)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon amchur powder (dry mango powder) or 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tanginess)
Equipment
- Large non-stick pan or skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the bhindi: Wash the bhindi thoroughly and dry them completely using a kitchen towel. Chop off the tops and tails, then slice them into 1-inch pieces. Ensuring they are dry helps prevent the curry from becoming slimy.
- Heat oil and temper spices: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Sauté onions and chilies: Add the finely chopped onions and slit green chilies to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Incorporate tomatoes and spices: Mix in the pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala (spice mixture), stirring occasionally.
- Add bhindi: Add the chopped bhindi to the pan. Stir well so the bhindi is coated with the masala.
- Cook covered: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. The bhindi should become tender but not mushy.
- Finish with garam masala and tanginess: Once cooked, sprinkle the garam masala and amchur powder (or lemon juice) over the curry. Mix gently and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian breads like chapati or naan.
Tips & Variations
“Drying the bhindi thoroughly before cooking is key to avoiding a slimy texture, which is a common challenge with okra dishes.”
- Use mustard oil for authentic flavor and a slight pungency, but vegetable or canola oil will work fine for a milder taste.
- For a dry bhindi fry: Skip the tomato gravy and sauté the bhindi with spices until crisp for a different texture.
- Add potatoes: Small cubed potatoes can be added to make the curry heartier.
- Make it tangier: Add tamarind paste instead of amchur powder or lemon juice for a different sour note.
- Spice it up: Include a pinch of asafoetida (hing) with the cumin seeds to enhance the aroma and aid digestion.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 140 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Vitamin C | 25% Daily Value |
Iron | 8% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
Bhindi curry pairs wonderfully with classic Indian staples. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:
- Serve hot with soft chapatis or whole wheat rotis.
- Accompany with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a comforting meal.
- Pair with a cooling raita or plain yogurt to balance the spices.
- Complement with other vegetable dishes like mixed vegetable sabzi or dal for a wholesome thali experience.
Conclusion
Bhindi curry is a classic Indian vegetable recipe that brings together the fresh flavors of okra with a vibrant, spiced tomato base. It’s a dish that’s not only simple to make but also packs a punch of nutrition and flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or hosting guests, this curry will impress with its authentic taste and comforting warmth. By following this recipe, you’ll master a traditional Indian favorite that celebrates vegetarian cooking at its best.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spices and accompaniments to suit your palate. And if you want to explore more delicious recipes, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe, the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe, or the savory Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe for more culinary inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Bhindi Curry
Description: A flavorful Indian vegetarian curry made with tender okra cooked in a spiced tomato-onion gravy. Perfect as a side dish or with rice and roti.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g bhindi (okra), washed and chopped
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Mix in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
- Add turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt; stir well.
- Add chopped bhindi and mix gently to coat with spices.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle garam masala and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
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