Masala Bhindi

Masala Bhindi Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Masala Bhindi is a popular Indian dish made with tender okra (bhindi) stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spices and cooked to perfection. This dish is a favorite among many for its unique taste and texture.

History

Masala Bhindi has been a traditional dish in Indian cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of India, where okra is a commonly used vegetable in cooking. The combination of spices and flavors used in this dish has been passed down through generations, making it a classic recipe in Indian households.

Ingredients

0.5 kg of tender okra (bhindi), washed and dried
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tsp of red chilli powder or to taste
0.5 tsp of turmeric powder
1 tsp of garam masala powder
2 tbsp of oil
salt to taste
Mixture No. 1
1 onion, made into a paste
4 cloves of garlic, minced
0.5 cup of grated coconut
Mixture No. 2
1 tsp each of ginger-garlic paste
3 green chillies
3 tbsp of coriander leaves
Mixture No. 3
0.5 cup of tamarind juice
salt to taste

How to prepare

In a pan, fry 1 chopped onion, 4 minced cloves of garlic, and 0.5 cup of grated coconut in oil until golden brown. Grind them into a paste.
In a separate bowl, make a paste using 0.5 cup of tamarind juice and salt to taste.
Next, grind 1 tsp of ginger-garlic paste, 3 chopped green chillies, and 3 tbsps of coriander leaves into a paste.
Prepare the okra by cutting off the tips and stalks, then slit each one down to 0.75th of its length.
Combine all three ground pastes and stuff the okra with the mixture.
Heat oil in a pan and add the chopped onion. Fry until it turns brown in color.
Add turmeric, garam masala, chilli powder, and salt to taste. Saute for a minute.
Arrange the stuffed okra over the masala in the pan. Cover with a deep lid and pour water into the lid.
Cook on low heat until the okra becomes softer. Serve hot with parathas.

Variations

You can add potatoes or tomatoes to the dish for added flavor and texture.
Adding ground peanuts or cashews to the stuffing mixture can enhance the dish's taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash and dry the okra thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess moisture.

- Slitting the okra lengthwise helps the spices penetrate the vegetable, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

- Cooking the okra on low heat ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its texture.

- Adding water to the lid while cooking helps create steam, which helps cook the okra faster.

Serving Suggestions

Masala Bhindi can be served with roti, paratha, or rice. It pairs well with yogurt or raita on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the onions and coconut until golden brown helps develop the flavors of the dish.

- Cooking the okra on low heat with a lid helps retain its texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tamarind juice, you can use lemon juice as a substitute.

- You can use any cooking oil of your choice for frying the onions and okra.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffing mixture and stuff the okra ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves or grated coconut for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Masala Bhindi pairs well with dal (lentil curry) and a side of salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Masala Bhindi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in a pan on low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- A serving of Masala Bhindi typically contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

- Okra is a low-carb vegetable, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.

- The onions and spices used in this dish also contribute to the carbohydrate content.

Fats

- The oil used for cooking adds healthy fats to the dish.

- Coconut and tamarind juice also contribute to the fat content of the dish.

Proteins

- Okra is a good source of plant-based protein.

- The coconut and onions used in the dish also provide some protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Okra is rich in vitamins C, K, and A.

- Onions are a good source of vitamin C and B6.

- Coconut provides minerals like iron and magnesium.

Alergens

This dish may contain allergens such as coconut and tamarind, so it is important to check for any allergies before consuming.

Summary

Masala Bhindi is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and healthy option for a meal.

Summary

Masala Bhindi is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With the right combination of spices and ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this traditional Indian recipe with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Masala Bhindi. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for a family gathering.

As I watched her move gracefully around the kitchen, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to the bubbling pots and sizzling pans, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe. How did she know exactly what ingredients to use and in what quantities? How did she manage to create such mouthwatering dishes with such ease and confidence?

I asked my grandmother about her secret to cooking, and she smiled knowingly as she handed me a small notebook filled with handwritten recipes. "These are the recipes that have been passed down through our family for generations," she said. "Each one is a treasure, a piece of our heritage that must be preserved and cherished."

I eagerly flipped through the pages of the notebook, my eyes widening at the sight of all the exotic and tantalizing dishes that were listed. But one recipe in particular caught my attention - Masala Bhindi. I had never tasted this dish before, but the description of tender okra cooked in a spicy tomato and onion gravy was enough to make my mouth water.

"Would you like to learn how to make Masala Bhindi?" my grandmother asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. I nodded eagerly, my heart racing with excitement at the thought of mastering this new and mysterious dish.

And so, my grandmother began to teach me the art of making Masala Bhindi. She showed me how to select the freshest and most tender okra from the market, how to wash and dry them carefully, and how to cut them into small pieces without bruising them. She taught me how to make the base of the dish - a fragrant blend of onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and spices that would form the flavorful gravy in which the okra would cook.

I watched intently as my grandmother worked her magic in the kitchen, her hands moving with precision and grace as she added each ingredient to the pot. The aroma that filled the air was intoxicating, a heady mix of spices and herbs that made my stomach growl with hunger.

As the dish simmered on the stove, my grandmother explained the importance of patience and attention to detail in cooking. "Cooking is not just about following a recipe," she said. "It is about putting your heart and soul into every dish you make, about infusing it with love and care so that it nourishes not just the body, but the spirit as well."

And so, I learned to make Masala Bhindi, not just as a recipe to be followed, but as a tradition to be upheld and cherished. I learned to appreciate the art of cooking, the joy of creating something delicious and satisfying from simple ingredients and a little bit of skill. And most of all, I learned the importance of passing down these recipes and traditions to the next generation, so that they may continue to bring joy and nourishment to those who come after us.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Masala Bhindi for my own family, I can't help but smile as I remember that first lesson from my grandmother. The aroma of spices and herbs fills the air, the sound of sizzling okra and bubbling gravy is music to my ears, and the taste of the dish brings back memories of a time long ago when I first learned the art of cooking from the best teacher of all - my beloved grandmother. And as I serve the Masala Bhindi to my family, I know that I am not just passing down a recipe, but a piece of my heritage and a taste of the love that has been cooking in our family for generations.