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Home >> Recipes >> Vegetable recipes

Bhindi masala recipe (Okra masala)

By swasthi , on January 13, 2021, 98 Comments, Jump to Recipe

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.

bhindi masala

Table of contents

  • About this recipe
  • Bhindi masala step-by-step photos
  • Pro Tips
  • Faqs
  • Recipe card

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.

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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.

wiping rinsed bhindi to make bhindi masala

3. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons oil in a pan.

pouring oil to pan to make bhindi masala

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.

pan frying bhindi

6. Transfer them to a plate.

removing to a plate to make bhindi masala
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How to make bhindi masala

7. Add another 1 to 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil turns hot, add half teaspoon cumin seeds.

adding jeera to hot oil

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.

sauteing onions

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.

adding ginger garlic paste
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10. Add 1 cup chopped tomatoes or puree and ½ teaspoon salt.

adding tomatoes salt to make bhindi masala

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.
adding spice powders to make bhindi 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.

pouring water

13. Take ½ teaspoon kasuri methi in your palm. Crush it well in between your palms. Add it here.

adding kasuri methi to make bhindi masala

14. Add fried bhindi/ ladies finger. (You can also add some cubed boiled potatoes at this stage if you like.)

adding fried bhindi
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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.

saute well

Serve bhindi masala with plain rice, ghee or roti.

bhindi masala recipe
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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

Should bhindi be covered while cooking?

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.

How do you keep bhindi green while cooking?

To retain the green color, stir fry bhindi in a pan until they wilt. Avoid covering or overcooking okra which discolors them.

How do you know when bhindi is cooked?

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.

How do I keep my ladies finger from sticking?

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.

Why is my okra turning black?

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.

Why is my okra slimy?

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.

Can we wash bhindi after cutting?

Avoid washing okra after cutting. When the cut okra comes in contact with moisture, they become slimy.

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Recipe card

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veg curry recipes

Bhindi masala recipe | How to make bhindi masala | Bhindi recipe

Bhindi masala is a delicious dish made of okra, onions, tomatoes & spices. It is not only easy to make but is super tasty. Serve bhindi masala with roti, plain paratha or plain rice.
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For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings3 people
AuthorSwasthi

Ingredients (US 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)
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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.
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Notes

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Do not chop them too small as they turn stickier while cooking.
  4. Do not skimp on the oil. It helps to get rid of the sticky substance quickly.
  5. 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.
  6. 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)

Nutrition Facts
Bhindi masala recipe | How to make bhindi masala | Bhindi recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 166 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 10mg0%
Potassium 366mg10%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 1010IU20%
Vitamin C 26.3mg32%
Calcium 73mg7%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @SwasthisRecipes or tag #swasthisrecipes!

© Swasthi’s Recipes

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About swasthi

I’m Swasthi shreekanth, the recipe developer, food photographer & food writer behind Swasthis recipes. My aim is to help you cook great Indian food with my time-tested recipes. After 2 decades of experience in practical Indian cooking I started this blog to help people cook better & more often at home. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook I am sure Swasthi’s Recipes will assist you to enhance your cooking skills.
Read more..

Recipe Rating




Recipe Rating




98 Comments
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Sakshi Arora
April 13, 2021 10:07 am

5 stars
Thank you for the amazing explanation

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Sakshi Arora
April 13, 2021 10:43 am

Welcome Sakshi

Reply
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Jacob
March 3, 2021 11:45 am

Nice, easy, turns out fantastic. Thank you for this recipe!

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Jacob
March 9, 2021 12:27 pm

Welcome Jacob

Reply
Cynthia Allie
February 27, 2021 5:17 am

I tried this the bindincurry last night, it was so delicious and easy to make, it will now be part of of our staple diet. Thank you. It’s your first recipe I tried, will certainly try out more.

Thank you

Cynthia

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Cynthia Allie
March 9, 2021 1:04 pm

Welcome Cynthia
Glad to know!

Reply
Nicole
February 4, 2021 9:06 pm

I love okra but never cooked it as it is not easily available in Switzerland. I found a store though… so will give this a try! How long do we need to cook it in the end with the lid on? It says until the okra gets tender but I have no experience at all… will this be 5, 10, 15 minutes? I have literally no idea how long this takes

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Nicole
February 5, 2021 2:12 am

Hi Nicole,
It just takes 2 to 3 minutes. It depends on how you want your okra. I usually don’t cook okra fully. We prefer a slight crunch. If you want them too soft, you may cook longer. The best thing is to taste test them after 2 to 3 mins. Hope this helps.

Reply
Monika
January 24, 2021 3:04 pm

5 stars
Since I’m not Indian, and do not have a properly stocked pantry with all the necessary ingredients, I had to omit the kasuri mehti. I don’t even know what that is but you’d best believe I’ll be looking into it. The recipe and technique are fantastic! The dish was flavorful, layered and easy to make. I can’t get over the complexity of flavor, the easy instructions! I can’t thank you enough for posting this recipe and the detailed method. Bindhi masala is a favorite dish that I would eagerly order when I ate out, never suspecting I could achieve identical taste at home. I suspe I’ll be making this every time I get my hands on fresh, crisp okra. Many thanks for helping this home cook expand her repertoire!

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Monika
January 26, 2021 3:09 am

Hi Monika,
Happy to know you liked it. Kasuri methi can be skipped but imparts a unique flavor. Thank you so much for leaving a comment.
🙂

Reply
Anisha
October 30, 2020 2:02 am

4 stars
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?

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Anisha
October 30, 2020 2:37 am

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.

Reply
Neetha
October 23, 2020 6:54 pm

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.

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Neetha
October 30, 2020 2:52 am

Thanks Neetha
Glad to know! Sorry for the late reply.
🙂

Reply
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Ira
September 5, 2020 4:21 pm

5 stars
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!!

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Ira
September 6, 2020 3:12 am

Hello Ira,
So glad the recipes are helping! Thanks a lot for the comment!
Wishing you the best!
🙂

Reply
Sushma
September 3, 2020 7:35 pm

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

Reply
Sushma
Reply to  Sushma
September 3, 2020 7:38 pm

5 stars
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.

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Sushma
September 6, 2020 3:14 am

Hello Sushma,
You are welcome! That’s great to hear. Thanks for leaving a comment!

Reply
Ana
July 27, 2020 11:27 am

5 stars
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.

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Ana
July 27, 2020 1:27 pm

Welcome Ana
Glad to know you liked it.
Thank you!
🙂

Reply
Sara
July 12, 2020 3:31 pm

5 stars
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!

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Sara
July 13, 2020 2:56 pm

Welcome Sara
Glad to know! Thank you!

Reply
Syed Samiullah
July 8, 2020 6:00 pm

Hi,
I tried Bhindi recipe it came out really well & it was delicious thank you for sharing ?

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Syed Samiullah
July 10, 2020 12:48 pm

Welcome Syed

Reply
Suzanne
July 3, 2020 5:13 pm

5 stars
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!

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Suzanne
July 4, 2020 4:04 am

Hello Suzanne
You are welcome! Glad you liked it.Love that you added some lentils.
🙂

Reply
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Jyoti
June 22, 2020 1:58 pm

5 stars
Very nice I like the receipe and my family also enjoyed a lot thank you

Reply
Joanne Kendal
June 18, 2020 10:39 am

5 stars
thank you for this information

Reply
Winnie
June 13, 2020 2:03 pm

5 stars
Tried this today. A simple recipe but was so delicious. Loved it.

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Winnie
June 13, 2020 2:31 pm

Glad to know Winnie
Thank you

Reply
Vesna
May 26, 2020 10:46 pm

5 stars
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.

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Vesna
May 27, 2020 5:05 am

Hello Vesna
You are welcome! Glad to know. Yes you can add upto half cup water.
Thank you

Reply
Natalie
May 21, 2020 4:37 am

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!

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Natalie
May 21, 2020 5:00 am

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

Reply
Vasantha
May 9, 2020 8:27 am

5 stars
I made this bhindi masala & potato fry last night. Both came out very delicious and tasty.

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Vasantha
May 9, 2020 1:51 pm

Thanks Vasantha
glad to know

Reply
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Teri
May 3, 2020 10:03 pm

Great easy to do recipe. Loved the tips about preparing the okra. Thank you!

Teri in Bethesda MD

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Teri
May 4, 2020 7:30 am

You are welcome!

Reply
Ragini Shah
April 28, 2020 4:53 pm

5 stars
Absolutely delicious! Been enjoying all your recipes through the recent lockdown and we really have enjoyed all of them! Thank you 🙂

Reply
swasthi
Reply to  Ragini Shah
April 30, 2020 4:09 pm

Hi Ragini
You are welcome! Glad to know the recipes are helping. Thank you
🙂

Reply

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