Bhindi Bhaji Food

BHINDI MASALA | OKRA MASALA

Steps:

• Rinse bhindi very well under running water & drain them.
• Wipe off with a clean kitchen cloth or tissues to remove all the moisture. You can also leave on the counter top for a while to air dry. Any moisture on the bhindi will make them slimy while cooking so wipe dry them completely.
• Chop off both the ends and discard them. Chop the bhindi to ¾ inch pieces.
• Heat 1½ tablespoons oil in a pan.
• Saute bhindi on a medium flame for about 5 to 7 mins stirring often until they are partially cooked. At this stage they should be no more sticky & slimy after sauteing.
• Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
• Add 1½ to 2 tablespoons more oil to the same pan. Then add cumin seeds.
• When they begin to splutter, saute onions and green chili until they turn golden.
• Next saute ginger garlic for 2 mins till the raw smell of the garlic goes away.
• Then saute tomatoes with salt until they turn soft and mushy.
• Stir in red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala & coriander powder. Saute until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
• Pour 6 tablespoons (little less than half cup) water & mix well. Cook the masala until it turns thick. This brings out the flavors of spices. (check video for consistency)
• Taste test and add more salt if needed. Stir in the kasuri methi & bhindi.
• Cover and cook on a low heat until bhindi turns slightly tender and the aroma comes out.
• Open the lid and evaporate any excess moisture.
• Serve bhindi masala with roti or rice.

BHINDI BHAJI

Steps:

• Wash bhindi in water and dry it using cloth or paper napkin. If possible, complete this process 2-3 hours prior to cooking. Remove head and tail and chop it into 1/3-inch thick round circles.Heat oil in a non-stick pan or heavy based kadai over medium flame. Add cumin seeds and when they begin to crackle, add chopped garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.Add chopped bhindi and mix well.
• Cook on medium-low flame until bhindi turns dark green and shrinks. It will take approximately 6-8 minutes. Stir in between occasionally.Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder and salt; cook until tomatoes turn tender, approximately 2 minutes.
• Add red chilli powder, garam masala powder and coriander powder; mix well. Cook for a minute over low flame and turn off the flame.
• Transfer prepared bhindi bhaji to a serving bowl. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with roti or paratha.

BHINDI BHAJI (FRIED STUFFED OKRA)

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine the chili powder, turmeric, coriander, and salt.
• With a sharp knife, cut lengthwise slit in each okra pod, taking care not to cut completely through.
• Stuff each pod with a little of the spice mixture.
• In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over high heat.
• Add onions and cook, stirring constantly, 12 minutes, or until browned.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the okra.
• Add the water if the mixture seems to dry.
• Cook covered 10 minutes, or until the okra is tender but still retains it's color.
• Serve garnished with fresh coriander and lemons.