Bhindi masala recipe – A simple North Indian bhindi masala that is great on flavors, tastes delicious & is healthy. Bhindi masala is a healthy dish made of okra, spices, onions & tomatoes. This semi dry curry made with ladies finger or okra goes very well with rice or roti. Bhindi masala is mildly spicy, hot & full of flavors that comes from the pan fried bhindi and garam masala.
About this recipe
‘Bhindi’ is a Hindi term for ‘Okra’ & ‘masala’ is an Indian curry base made with onions, tomatoes, spices and herbs. So ‘Bhindi masala’ means okra cooked in a spicy onion tomato masala.
This is cooked much the same way like any other veggie except for sautéing the bhindi first. Okra is naturally slimy so stir frying them first is important to get rid of the slime. After stir frying much of the slime dries up and then they are ready to go into the masala or the curry base.
Made with everyday ingredients, this simple bhindi masala is extremely easy to cook. So it is a common side dish in many households. Since okra is available all-round the year I make this pretty often for a meal. Dal fry, okra masala, soft rotis and some plain rice makes for a healthy, delicious and simple meal in my home.
This bhindi masala also goes well in a school / office lunch box with some rotis. It’s my kids’ favourite and they don’t mind eating this on a rotation. For a change sometimes I also add boiled potatoes.
Okra is one of the most consumed vegetable in Indian cuisine. We believe that eating bhindi often has immense health benefits.
So it is used to make so many dishes. Dahi bhindi, kurkuri bhindi & bharwa bhindi are some popular North Indian dishes.
In South India, it is added to sambar, curries, stew and also stir fried with coconut.
More Bhindi recipes
Bhindi fry
Bhindi ki sabji
Ladies finger stir fry
Bhindi do pyaza
Andhra bendakaya pulusu
Ladies finger poriyal
Bhindi masala step-by-step photos
1. Rinse 250 grams okra/ bhindi well under running water. I usually sprinkle some salt and vinegar, rest for 15 mins. Then rub and rinse them well under running water.
2. Wipe them dry with a cloth and chop off both the ends. Chop the bhindi to ¾ inch pieces. Do not chop them too thin as they tend to turn slimy after adding to the pan.
3. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons oil in a pan.
4. Add chopped bhindi and saute them well for 5 to 7 mins on a medium heat. Keep stirring often to fry them uniformly. While you fry the bhindi –
- chop 2 medium onions (1 cup chopped)
- chop 1 green chilli
- chop or puree 2 medium tomatoes (1 cup chopped or pureed)
- Make a fine paste of half inch ginger & 2 garlic cloves. Or ¾ tablespoon fine chopped.
5. Bhindi don’t get cooked completely after sauteing but the sticky substance will be gone.
6. Transfer them to a plate.
How to make bhindi masala
7. Add another 1 to 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil turns hot, add half teaspoon cumin seeds.
8. When they begin to splutter, add 1 cup chopped onions and 1 green chili. You may skip the green chili if you have kids at home.
9. Saute the onions until golden brown. Add ¾ tablespoon ginger garlic paste. Saute until the ginger garlic smells good. This just takes about 1 minute.
10. Add 1 cup chopped tomatoes or puree and ½ teaspoon salt.
11. Saute well until the tomatoes turn completely mushy.
- Add ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ¾ teaspoon of coriander powder (optional).
- I have used this punjabi garam masala. Make use of a good flavorful garam masala.
12. Saute this masala well until it becomes thick, comes together and smells good. Pour 6 tablespoons water (little less than half cup) and mix well. Cook this masala until it turns thick.
13. Take ½ teaspoon kasuri methi in your palm. Crush it well in between your palms. Add it here.
14. Add fried bhindi/ ladies finger. (You can also add some cubed boiled potatoes at this stage if you like.)
15. Mix everything well. Cover and cook on a low to medium heat until the bhindi turns tender. This step also helps to bring out the aroma of the veggie.
18. We prefer the semi dry curry so I saute for another 2 to 3 mins to dry up excess moisture. Do not overcook as it makes the okra soggy.
Serve bhindi masala with plain rice, ghee or roti.
More vegetable curry recipes
Aloo gobi
Bharwa baingan
Jeera aloo
dum aloo
Benefits of bhindi or okra
Bhindi is a fiber rich vegetable that helps in digestion, prevents constipation & stomach problems.
It is a good source of vitamin B, C, K, potassium & calcium. So helps in the overall health.
Bhindi is also a rich source of antioxidants so helps in fighting the free radicals.
It is a good source of folate (vitamin b) so it is very good for pregnant women.
This low calorie veggie is nutrient dense keeps you full for longer. So it is great for those trying to manage their weight.
Helps in reducing cholesterol & stress, helps to manage diabetes.
Pro Tips
Here are some tips for the novice cooks on okra.
Always choose tender and young bhindi as they get cooked faster and taste good.
Always wash and wipe them dry before chopping. While chopping, wipe off the sticky residue on the knife to a disposable tissue.
Do not chop them very small as they turn more sticky while cooking.
Do not skimp on the oil used in any bhindi recipe. Oil helps to get rid of the sticky substance from the veggie.
One to two tbsp of lemon juice can be sprinkled on the bhindi after sauteing in the oil for a minute. This reduces the sticky substance but makes the dish sour. So more spice powders will be needed.
You can also add some boiled potatoes to make this bhindi masala. Just cube the boiled potatoes and add them to the onion tomato masala along with fried bhindi. Cover and simmer for a while for the veggies to absorb the flavors.
If you have fussy kids home, then blend the onion tomato masala after frying. Add it back to the same pan and follow the recipe. You will need ¼ to ½ cup more water to cook the curry. When the masala turns thick then add the fried bhindi & simmer for a short while.
Faqs
No! Do not cover. Saute bhindi uncovered until all of the slime dries up. Covering the pan brings out the moisture from bhindi and turns them slimy.
To retain the green color, stir fry bhindi in a pan until they wilt. Avoid covering or overcooking okra which discolors them.
When okra is cooked, you will see them wilting and changing their color from green to dark green. Also they are no more slimy when perfectly cooked.
Use a good amount of oil & stir fry them first, so they don’t turn sticky while cooking. Avoid adding any kind of moisture to the pan until all of the slime has gone.
Okra when chilled in the refrigerator for many days is more likely to turn black. Ensure there is no moisture trapped in the plastic bags. If possible keep them in cloth bags so they remain fresh for longer.
Cooking okra without stir frying first can make them slimy. So always stir fry them first until almost cooked then add them to curry or stew.
Avoid washing okra after cutting. When the cut okra comes in contact with moisture, they become slimy.
Related Recipes
Recipe card
Bhindi masala recipe | How to make bhindi masala | Bhindi recipe
For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card
Ingredients (1 cup = 240ml )
- 250 grams bhindi (ladies finger – okra)
- 3 tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 1 cup onions (2 medium) (finely chopped or processed)
- 1 green chilli slit (optional)
- ¾ tablespoons ginger garlic paste or crushed
- 1 cup tomatoes (2 medium) (deseeded & chopped or pureed)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric or haldi
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ¾ teaspoon coriander powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) (optional)
- water as needed
- 2 tablespoons coriander leaves or cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
- Chop off both the ends and discard them. Chop the bhindi to ¾ inch pieces.
How to make bhindi masala
- 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.
Notes
- Choose fresh, tender and young bhindi as they get cooked faster and taste good. Veggies that have been lying around the fridge for longer take forever to lose the slime.
- Wash and wipe dry before chopping. While chopping, wipe off the sticky residue on the knife to a disposable tissue. This helps in easier chopping.
- Do not chop them too small as they turn stickier while cooking.
- Do not skimp on the oil. It helps to get rid of the sticky substance quickly.
- One to two tbsp of lemon juice can be sprinkled on the bhindi after sautéing in the oil for a minute. This reduces the slime but makes the dish sour. So more spice powders will be needed.
- You can also add some boiled potatoes. Just cube the boiled potatoes and add them to the onion tomato masala along with pan fried bhindi. Cover and simmer for a while for the veggies to absorb the flavors.
Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only, original recipe.
For best results follow my detailed step-by-step photo instructions and tips above the recipe card.
NUTRITION INFO (estimation only)
© Swasthi’s Recipes
Anisha says
Hi
I tried this recipe with potato in it, it tasted awesome the only problem was potatoes were not getting cooked easily, even after taking lot of time in the end potatoes were still not cooked, is it that in this recipe potatoes should be put first?
swasthi says
Hi Anisha,
I have mentioned in the tips & notes to add boiled potatoes and not raw. Old potatoes won’t cook faster with acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
Neetha says
All your recipes absolutely amazing. Not once have they failed me. Well written and explained. This bhindi masala is a favourite of my family now.
swasthi says
Thanks Neetha
Glad to know! Sorry for the late reply.
🙂
Ira says
You are a savior Swasthi! Your recipies are so simple to follow even for a newbie like me. My boyfriend and I just moved in together, and have decided to cook ourselves to keep costs down during these trying times. And your site is what’s keeping me going. I can find a recipe for almost everything I want, and I love that you have photos attached so I can compare what I’m doing with what it’s supposed to look like. I’ve shared your page with a few friends and they love it too! Thank you and keep up the great work!!
swasthi says
Hello Ira,
So glad the recipes are helping! Thanks a lot for the comment!
Wishing you the best!
🙂
Sushma says
This dish was a hit with our family. Very little leftovers! It is easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe
Sushma says
Sorry, I forgot to rate this recipe in my original comment! Definitely 5 stars. Only thing I changed was I reduced the chili powder to 1/8 teaspoon to make it less spicy.
swasthi says
Hello Sushma,
You are welcome! That’s great to hear. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Ana says
Thank you, it tasted so good!! I have not many good indian recipes and don’t cook much of indian food but this is one of the best. Will definitely repeat this dish when I have guests and try other recipes too. Thanks again.
swasthi says
Welcome Ana
Glad to know you liked it.
Thank you!
🙂
Sara says
Easy and straightforward. I love bhindi masala but it’s hard to find in my part of the United States. I adjusted the seasonings to my preference and it was delicious. Thank you so much!
swasthi says
Welcome Sara
Glad to know! Thank you!
Syed Samiullah says
Hi,
I tried Bhindi recipe it came out really well & it was delicious thank you for sharing 😊
swasthi says
Welcome Syed
Suzanne says
I love okra any way at all, but this was super tasty. I did add some lentils for protein since it was a main dish. Fabulous and easy to make on a weeknight. Thanks, Swasthi, for another great recipe!
swasthi says
Hello Suzanne
You are welcome! Glad you liked it.Love that you added some lentils.
🙂
Jyoti says
Very nice I like the receipe and my family also enjoyed a lot thank you
Joanne Kendal says
thank you for this information
Ahalya says
This turned out lip smacking good! Thinking of ditching the regular bhindi fry for this.
Thanks for the share!
swasthi says
Glad to know Ahalya
Winnie says
Tried this today. A simple recipe but was so delicious. Loved it.
swasthi says
Glad to know Winnie
Thank you
Vesna says
Great recipe, I loved it. Better than any restaurant. I used can diced tomatoes and added more water than what recipe calls for. It was on the dry side so maybe next time I will make it with more water.
Thanks for great recipe, I love Indian food.
swasthi says
Hello Vesna
You are welcome! Glad to know. Yes you can add upto half cup water.
Thank you
Natalie says
This looks amazing!!!! My grocery store only carries frozen okra, so can you please let me know if there are any specific changes you’d make when using frozen okra instead? Thank you for your help Swasthi!
swasthi says
Hi Natalie
Thank you! You can spread them on a kitchen towel or few paper towels and let them dry a few hours. This helps reduce the moisture. Add ½ to 1 tbsp lemon juice to the okra while sauteing in oil. This helps to reduce the slime. Hope this helps
Vasantha says
I made this bhindi masala & potato fry last night. Both came out very delicious and tasty.
swasthi says
Thanks Vasantha
glad to know
Teri says
Great easy to do recipe. Loved the tips about preparing the okra. Thank you!
Teri in Bethesda MD
swasthi says
You are welcome!
Ragini Shah says
Absolutely delicious! Been enjoying all your recipes through the recent lockdown and we really have enjoyed all of them! Thank you 🙂
swasthi says
Hi Ragini
You are welcome! Glad to know the recipes are helping. Thank you
🙂
Saniya says
Just tried this recipe today and it came out delicious! I also made some chapathi with it.
swasthi says
Hi Saniya,
Thank you! Happy to know it came out delicious
Nisha Pereira says
Very easy and quick to make.. Taste yummy.
swasthi says
Thank you!
Apratim Ganguli says
Swathi’s recipes are easy to cook and the accompanying description is very lucid. Its great for beginners like to who want to start cooking.
Thanks Swathi.
swasthi says
Hi Apratim Ganguli
You are welcome! Glad the recipes are useful. Thank you
Jane says
Delicious! Could not get enough! Adding to my repetoire! Thank you so much!
Do you think this would be a good make-ahead recipe? (In my Indian cookbook a similar recipe says it is even better the next day. Need some of those in my life! 😉
swasthi says
Hi Jane,
You are welcome! Glad you liked it. Yes it can be made ahead. Thank you!