Okra Bhaji

Okra Bhaji Recipe - A Spicy Vegetarian Dish from Bangladesh

Region / culture: Bangladesh | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Okra Bhaji is a delicious and flavorful Indian dish made with tender okra, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. This vegetarian dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a side dish for a larger Indian feast.

History

Okra Bhaji has its roots in Indian cuisine, where okra is a popular vegetable used in a variety of dishes. The word "bhaji" refers to a dish that is made by sautéing vegetables with spices, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of okra
0.25 tsp of ground turmeric
2 tbsp of sliced onion
0.25 tsp of ground cumin and crushed red pepper
salt to taste
2 tsp of cooking oil

How to prepare

Wash and drain the okra, then cut it into thin slices.
Heat oil in a frying pan.
Saute the onion.
Add the okra, turmeric, cumin, pepper, and salt.
Stir well, cover, and cook for a few minutes over low heat.
Occasionally stir the bhaji until the okra is cooked and the water extracted from the okra is vaporized.
Remove from heat and serve hot.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a burst of freshness.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add fresh green chilies.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Cooking the okra over low heat helps to retain its natural flavors and textures.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Okra Bhaji pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, or roti. It can also be served alongside other Indian dishes such as dal or curry for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the okra and onions in oil helps to develop their flavors and create a delicious caramelized finish. Cooking the dish over low heat allows the okra to cook through without becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have okra on hand, you can substitute with green beans or zucchini. Feel free to customize the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Okra Bhaji can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Okra Bhaji in a colorful serving dish garnished with fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation. You can also sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Okra Bhaji with a cooling raita or yogurt-based dip to balance out the spices. A side of pickles or chutney can also add a tangy contrast to the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Okra Bhaji contains approximately 80 calories, making it a light and nutritious side dish option.

Carbohydrates

Okra is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy. One serving of Okra Bhaji contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Okra Bhaji is a low-fat dish, with only 2 grams of fat per serving. The cooking oil used in this recipe adds a small amount of healthy fats to the dish.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with approximately 2 grams per serving. Pairing Okra Bhaji with a protein-rich main dish can help increase your overall protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Okra is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, if you have specific allergies, be sure to check the ingredients for any potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, Okra Bhaji is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Okra Bhaji is a flavorful and nutritious Indian dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With its blend of spices and tender okra, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, with the sun shining brightly in the clear blue sky. I was visiting my friend Anjali, who lived in a charming little village nestled in the lush green hills of the countryside.

Anjali had invited me over for lunch, and as soon as I stepped into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most heavenly aroma. Anjali was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling golden okra bhaji. The sight and smell of it made my mouth water, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

As we sat down to eat, Anjali told me the story behind this delicious dish. She had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. The secret, she said, was in the way the okra was sliced and cooked, just the right amount of spices, and a sprinkle of love.

I took one bite of the okra bhaji, and I was hooked. The flavors exploded in my mouth, the okra was tender and perfectly cooked, and the spices were just right. I begged Anjali to teach me how to make it, and she graciously agreed.

Anjali showed me how to select the freshest okra, how to slice it thinly and evenly, and how to cook it just until it was tender. She taught me the perfect combination of spices – turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a touch of asafoetida – that gave the dish its unique flavor.

As I watched Anjali cook, I realized that there was more to this recipe than just ingredients and technique. There was a sense of tradition, of heritage, of connection to the past. I felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Anjali for sharing this recipe with me, and I knew that I would cherish it for years to come.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to try making the okra bhaji on my own. I gathered all the ingredients, sliced the okra with care, and followed Anjali's instructions to the letter. As the dish cooked on the stove, the familiar aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny day in Anjali's home.

When it was finally ready, I took a bite of the okra bhaji, and a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It tasted just like Anjali's, with the same perfect balance of flavors and textures. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had mastered this recipe that had been passed down through generations.

Over the years, I have made okra bhaji countless times, each time with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the tradition behind it. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just the ingredients and technique, but also the story and the memories that make this dish special.

As I cook this dish today, I can't help but think of Anjali and her grandmother, and the bond that we forged over a shared love of food. The recipe for okra bhaji is more than just a list of ingredients – it is a reminder of the power of tradition, of the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, and of the simple pleasures that can be found in a humble dish cooked with love.