India · India
Bhindi Masala
Okra in a thick onion and tomato masala.
Okra travels well along the spice routes of the Indian subcontinent, and bhindi masala is one of the everyday ways northern homes cook it. Okra releases a lot of liquid, so the trick is letting it collapse into the onion and tomato masala rather than frying it dry, and choosing a tender young pod. Its mucilaginous texture means the gravy clings to it, which is why the dish is often served with roti rather than rice.
Ingredients
- okra500 g
- onion, finely chopped150 g
- tomatoes, chopped250 g
- ginger, grated8 g
- garlic, minced8 g
- neutral cooking oil30 ml
- cumin seeds2 g
- ground coriander3 g
- ground turmeric1 g
- ground red chile1 g
- garam masala2 g
- cilantro, chopped8 g
- salt4 g
Directions
- 1
Wash and dry okra; trim and cut into 2 cm pieces. Heat half the oil; saute okra over medium heat for 10 minutes. Set aside.
Okra is nearly tender and fairly dry. - 2
Heat remaining oil with cumin. Add onion; cook for 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic for 1 minute, then tomato, coriander, turmeric, chile and salt for 6 minutes.
Tomato forms a thick sauce. - 3
Return okra; add garam masala. Toss over low heat for 3 minutes. Add cilantro and serve hot.
Okra is tender, holds its shape and is coated in thick masala. For storage, refrigerate within 2 hours at 4°C or below; if the surroundings exceed 32°C, refrigerate within 1 hour.
Source: WorldBite Editorial · WorldBite Proprietary Editorial Content