Bhindi Rice Veg Recipes of India for Healthy Meals

Bhindi rice is a delightful and wholesome Indian vegetarian dish that combines the subtle flavors of okra (bhindi) with aromatic spices and perfectly cooked rice. This recipe is cherished across many Indian households for its simplicity, nutrition, and the unique texture the bhindi adds to the fluffy, spiced rice.

Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to incorporate more vegetable-packed dishes into your meals, bhindi rice offers a flavorful and satisfying option that is easy to prepare and sure to please the entire family.

In this post, we’ll explore the traditional methods and variations of making bhindi rice, along with tips to perfect the dish every time. Plus, we’ll share some nutritional insights and serving suggestions to help you enjoy this recipe to the fullest.

If you love vegetable rice dishes, you might also enjoy our Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe or the creamy goodness of our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to complement your meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bhindi rice is a perfect blend of health and taste. The okra provides a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dish not only delicious but also nourishing.

The spices used enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them, creating a balanced and fragrant meal.

What’s more, this recipe is versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients or level of spice. It’s a wonderful one-pot meal that saves time without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches.

Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences. Pair it with a cooling yogurt raita or a tangy salad, and you have a wholesome meal ready to impress!

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked for 20 minutes
• 250 grams bhindi (okra), washed, dried, and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Equipment

• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Deep non-stick pan or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for about 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the bhindi: After washing the okra, make sure to pat it completely dry with a kitchen towel to prevent it from becoming slimy during cooking. Chop into 1-inch pieces.
3. Heat oil: In a deep pan or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Sauté onions and chilies: Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions become golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add bhindi: Add the chopped okra and stir well. Cook on medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the okra is tender and slightly crisp. Avoid stirring too much to prevent the okra from becoming mushy.
7. Add tomatoes and spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook until the tomatoes soften and oil starts to separate from the mixture, about 5 minutes.
8. Add rice and water: Gently fold in the soaked and drained rice. Add 2 cups of water and check salt levels. Stir once carefully to combine.
9. Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all water is absorbed.
10. Rest and fluff: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
11. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander leaves and optionally drizzle lemon juice on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, ensure the okra is completely dry before cooking to avoid sliminess.

Use basmati rice for a fluffy and fragrant result; avoid short-grain rice for this recipe.

You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

For a richer flavor, consider tempering the dish with mustard seeds and curry leaves along with cumin seeds.

If you prefer a spicier version, increase the green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder along with the other spices.

Trying a pressure cooker or Instant Pot version can significantly reduce cooking time while locking in flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Bhindi rice pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian side dishes. Try serving it alongside a cooling cucumber raita or a simple yogurt dip to balance the spices.

A fresh green salad with lemon dressing or a tangy pickle can add a delightful contrast to the mild flavors of the rice.

For a more elaborate meal, you can accompany bhindi rice with your favorite dal (lentil curry) or a vegetable curry like Chicken Shrimp And Broccoli Recipes (vegetarian options available).

Conclusion

Bhindi rice is a fantastic example of the vibrant vegetarian cuisine of India that combines nutrition, flavor, and simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bring the taste of home-cooked Indian meals to your table any day of the week.

This dish is not only satisfying but also offers a wholesome way to enjoy okra, a vegetable often overlooked but packed with health benefits.

We encourage you to experiment with the spices and additional vegetables to make this recipe your own. For more inspiration on delicious and comforting dishes, check out our Cheese Penny Recipe or indulge in a sweet treat with the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy the wholesome goodness of bhindi rice!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bhindi Rice”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful Indian vegetarian rice dish made with okra and aromatic spices. Perfect as a main or side dish for a wholesome meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup basmati rice”, “200 grams bhindi (okra), washed and chopped”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “1 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “1 medium onion, finely chopped”, “1 green chili, slit”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1 teaspoon coriander powder”, “1/2 teaspoon garam masala”, “1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste”, “Salt to taste”, “2 cups water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse basmati rice and soak for 15 minutes, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onions and green chili; saut\u00e9 until golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped bhindi and cook until slightly tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add drained rice and stir gently to combine with spices and bhindi.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook on low heat for 15 minutes or until rice is done.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Turn off heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “42 g”}}