Bhindi Masala is a delicious Indian dish made with okra (bhindi) cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy. A step-by-step guide on how to make Bhindi Masala:
Ingredients:
For the Bhindi:
- 250g (about 9 ounces) of fresh okra (bhindi)
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
For the Masala:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bhindi:
- Wash the okra thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Trim the tops and tails of the okra and then slice them into approximately 1-inch pieces.
2. Sauté the Bhindi:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced okra and sauté them until they become tender and start to turn brown. This might take about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the sautéed okra from the pan and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Masala:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and golden brown.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the pan.
- Stir in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Cook the mixture until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
5. Combine Bhindi and Masala:
- Once the masala is ready, return the sautéed okra to the pan and mix them with the masala.
6. Simmer:
- Cover the pan and let the bhindi masala simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and garnish the Bhindi Masala with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with roti, naan, or rice.
Enjoy your homemade Bhindi Masala, a flavorful and spicy okra curry that's perfect for vegetarians and okra lovers!