Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)

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Stuffed okra, or “Bharwa Bhindi” in Hindi, is a delicious Indian dish where okra pods are stuffed with a flavorful spice mixture and then cooked.

Stuffed Okra
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Stuffed Okra

Servings

4

servings
Total time

40

minutes

Ingredients

  • 250g okra (bhindi)

  • 2 tablespoons peanuts roasted

  • 2 tablespoons sesame rosted

  • 2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)

  • 2 teaspoon fennel crushed

  • 1 tablespoon coriander powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (or to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

  • 1/2 teaspoon amchur (dry mango powder)

  • 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)

  • 1 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • Salt to taste

Directions

  • Prepare the Okra:
  • Wash the okra thoroughly and pat them dry.
  • Trim the top and bottom of each okra.
  • Make a slit lengthwise in each okra pod, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Prepare the Stuffing:
  • Dry roast the besan (gram flour) for 2-3 minutes on low heat until it releases a nutty aroma. Let it cool.
  • Grind peanut and sesame seed to fine powder without adding water
  • In a bowl mix coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, amchur, asafoetida, salt, roasted besan peanut and sesame powder.
  • Mix all the spices well.
  • Add lemon juice to the spice mixture and mix.
  • Carefully stuff each okra pod with the prepared spice mixture.
  • Make sure to fill the slit completely.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a pan or kadhai (wok) over medium heat.
  • Gently place the stuffed okra pods in the pan.
  • Cook on low to medium heat, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the spices are cooked.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent the okra from burning.
  • If you would like the okra to be a little crispy, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Once the okra is cooked, remove it from the pan.
  • Serve hot with roti, paratha, or rice.

Notes

  • Onion and Garlic: You can add finely chopped onion and garlic to the stuffing for extra flavor. Sauté them in a little oil before adding the spice mixture.
  • Coconut: Grated coconut can also be added to the stuffing.
  • Mustard Oil: Using mustard oil instead of vegetable oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish.
  • Adjust Spices: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala to suit your spice preference.
  • Tomato: add some chopped tomato to the pan during the cooking process.
  • Crispy Okra: For crispier okra, you can shallow fry them before stuffing.
  • Less Oil: some people prefer to cook this dish with very little oil.
 

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