Bhindi Fry

Bhindi Fry is stir fried ladies’ finger (okra) that is slit and stuffed with spice mix such as garam masala or other locally available ground spices. Not to be confused with batter-fried okra which involves deep frying, this dish is just stir fried or sautéed lightly. It can be served as a side dish in accompaniment with steamed rice and dal or with chapati as a form of sabzi.

Okra is one of the most popular and nutritious vegetables in India.  It’s known in many English-speaking countries as ladies' fingers, bhendi, bhindi. Okra is a non-leafy, green vegetable that is widely consumed in India and abroad. It’s popularly called “Bhindi” in Indian households. This vegetable is tender, slightly sticky and dense in nutritional content. 

Whether you eat them raw or you cook them as you like, you’ll surely benefit in more than one ways. Ladies finger helps control diabetes, prevents heart disease, helps you lose weight, improves your immunity, and prevents cancer.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2-3 people

Recipe Courtesy – Preetha Pai (My Aunt)

Ingredients	Quantity
Bhindi (Ladies Finger)	20-25
Coriander Powder	1 ½ tsp
Cumin Powder	1 ½ tsp
Chili Powder	1 ½ tsp or to taste
Turmeric Powder	½ tsp
Aamchur Powder/Chaat Masala	½ tsp(optional)
Salt	to taste
Lemon Juice	few drops(optional)
Oil	1 tbsp

Method

Wash Okra thoroughly, spread on a kitchen towel to dry for few minutes. Wipe them with a cloth till they are completely dry. Chop of the stalk and tips. Slit in the center using a knife without splitting them into two.

In a bowl mix together coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, turmeric powder and chaat masala/aamchur powder. Stuff in the slit bhindi.

Heat oil on high heat, in a flat pan which has lid. Once hot, add masala stuffed okra into the pan and keep stirring continuously for 30 seconds. Lower the flame and cook, stir once in a while to avoid burning. Keep cooking for 2-3 minutes. close lid and cook for another minute or so. It’s done cooking when the okra is soft to touch and dark green in color. 

Taste one and adjust salt and spices. Cook more if needed. Serve immediately. Add lemon juice if you like just before serving.