Tender okra offers a delightful crunch and a subtle earthy flavor to this dish. The key to mastering Bhindi Fry lies in preserving okra’s texture while infusing it with a medley of spices. Growing up, I never liked okra, but my Mom didn’t care for that. It offers a range of health benefits, and that was enough for Ma to make me eat okra more regularly. Okra is packed with essential nutrients including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It’s high in fiber and supports digestive health. Okra, also known as ladyfinger or bhindi, happens to be my husband’s fav veggie and out of all the different ways I make it, this simple dish always makes him very happy.
Ingredients you need for Bhindi Fry
Okra (Bhindi) - Choose young, tender okra for the best results, as older okra tends to be tough and fibrous. Onion - A little bit of sliced red onion adds a mild sweetness to the dish. Spices - Nigella Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Dry Red chili are the spices I start with and then apart from salt a little turmeric, I finish it with dry mango powder. Dry mango powder (aamchur) adds a mild tangy kick to this simple stir-fried side dish. You can customize the recipe according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you like it spicy or mild, Bhindi Fry welcomes your creative touch. Bhindi fry pairs best with roti/paratha along with dal on the side.
Here are a few dal recipes that will pair very well:
Everyday Masoor Dal Masoor Palak Dal Chaunsa Dal Aam Daal
Steps to prepare Bhindi Fry
1- Wash and pat dry the okra. Then leave it aside for 15 minutes so it dries off any excess moisture. Slice the okra as per your liking. 2- Thinly slice the onion, too. 3- In a heavy bottom pan, heat the oil and then add the nigella seeds plus cumin seeds. Typically, in North India, cumin seed is more popularly used. I like the nigella seeds, and so I add that too. 4- Add a couple dry red chili. This is mainly for flavor, but if you would prefer more heat, then add finely chopped green chili. 5- To that pan now add the sliced okra and sprinkle with salt plus turmeric. 6- Sauté the okra for a while in medium low heat so you get those mild char mark on the okra. 7- When the okra is almost cooked, add the onion to cook for just a couple minute. 8- Finish it by adding dry mango powder for the mild tangy taste. Enjoy the dish warm.
