Bhindi Masala

• Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving): Calories: 180-220 kcal | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 12g

• The Story Behind Bhindi Masala (History):

  Okra, or Bhindi, is a vegetable with ancient roots in Africa and Asia. In India, it is a beloved staple, especially in North Indian cuisine. Bhindi Masala is a classic home-style dish, a simple yet delicious way to prepare okra. The semi-dry preparation involves sautéing okra until it's no longer slimy and then combining it with a tangy and spicy masala of onions, tomatoes, and everyday spices.

  

  
  

• Ingredients (English):

• 250g Okra (Bhindi), washed, dried, and chopped

• 2 tbsp Oil

• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds

• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste

• 2 medium Tomatoes, finely chopped

• Spices (turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, amchur/dry mango powder, salt).

• Method (English):

• Sauté Okra: Heat 1 tbsp oil. Add the okra and sauté on medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes until cooked and no longer slimy. Remove and set aside.

• Make Masala: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Add cumin seeds, then sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

• Cook Gravy: Add ginger-garlic paste. Add the chopped tomatoes and all powdered spices (except amchur). Cook until tomatoes are soft.

• Combine & Finish: Add the sautéed okra. Sprinkle with amchur powder, mix well, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Pro Tips & Fun Facts (Tidbits):

• The biggest challenge when cooking okra is its sliminess. To combat this, always wash and thoroughly pat dry the okra before chopping. Sautéing the okra separately in a hot pan before adding it to the masala also helps significantly. Finally, adding a souring agent like amchur (dry mango powder) or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end not only adds flavor but also helps cut through any remaining sliminess.

  
  

  Instant Pot Method:

• Use "Sauté" mode. Sauté okra first and remove. Then make the masala in the same pot. Add the okra back at the end.

• Air-Fryer Method:

  Toss okra with 1 tbsp oil. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until crisp. Prepare masala separately and toss with the air-fried okra.

  
  

  How To Make It Vegan

• This recipe is almost always naturally vegan. Just ensure you are using Oil for cooking instead of ghee.