• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Summer Beverages
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Dal & Curries » Veg Curries » Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Stir Fry)

    Published: Aug 7, 2023 | Last Updated On: Aug 7, 2023 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Stir Fry)

    6143 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Stir Fry) is a very popular North Indian dish made using okra, onions, tomatoes, and spices. This semi-dry curry is super easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes (vegan, gluten-free).

    Bhindi masala served in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • About Bhindi Masala
    • Ingredients 
    • How To Make Bhindi Masala
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Pro Tips By Neha
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    About Bhindi Masala

    Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Stir Fry) is a popular Indian stir fry made using okra, onions, tomatoes, and a few Indian spices.

    It is usually served with rice or roti and can be made with either fresh or frozen okra.

    The dish is thought to have originated in Punjab, although it is now popular all over India. Bhindi Masala is often made as a dry curry, but it can also be made with gravy.

    The recipe is simple, easy to follow, and made using basic pantry staples. It’s also vegan and gluten-free and comes together in 30 minutes.

    You can easily double or triple the recipe.

    Here are some more bhindi recipes that you may like

    • Achari Bhindi
    • Dahi Bhindi
    • Bhindi Do Pyaza
    • Bharwa Bhindi
    • Punjabi Kurkuri Bhindi
    • Bhindi Ka Salan
    • Bhindi Raita

    Ingredients 

    Bhindi masala ingredients 1
    Bhindi masala ingredients 2

    Bhindi – Bhindi (Okra, Ladies Finger) has many health benefits, and including it in your everyday diet is a great idea. Although it is not very popular in the US yet, it is gaining traction, and looking at its repertoire as a healthy low-cal vegetable, it is no surprise that people in the US will make it a part of their diet soon.

    You can find bhindi in whole foods or trader joe. Indian grocery stores almost always carry them.

    If using frozen okra, make sure to thaw it before using it.

    Spice Powders – You will need turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and dry mango powder (amchoor).

    You can replace dry mango powder with lime juice (lemon juice) too.

    Others – You will also need vegetable oil, cumin seeds, onions, fresh ginger, garlic, fresh tomatoes, and salt.

    Replace vegetable oil with peanut oil or mustard oil for more traditional Indian flavors.

    You can also some garam masala and green chillies to this recipe.

    How To Make Bhindi Masala

    Preparation

    Rinse 1 pound (500 g) of okra well with water. Wipe each bhindi using a kitchen towel and spread the okra on the kitchen counter for an hour for any moisture to evaporate.

    If there is moisture in okra, it will become slimy.

    Discard ½-inch from both the ends of okra using a sharp serrated knife and cut the okra into ½-inch round pieces.

    Bhindi cut into small pieces.

    Chop the onions and tomatoes. Grate the ginger and mince the garlic cloves.

    Gather the remaining ingredients.

    Fry The Okra

    Heat 2 tablespoon vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

    Oil heating in a pan.

    Add the chopped bhindi to the pan and fry for 6-8 minutes until slightly browned and crisp, stirring frequently.

    Bhindi added to the pan.

    Remove the okra to a bowl and keep it aside.

    Fried bhindi in the pan.

    Make The Stir Fry

    Add the remaining 3 tablespoon vegetable oil to the same pan and heat on medium heat. 

    Oil heating in a pan.

    Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them crackle for 4-5 seconds.

    Cumin seeds added to the pan.

    Add 1 cup of chopped onions and cook until they turn pinkish in color (3-4 minutes), stirring frequently.

    Onions added to the pan.

    Add 1 teaspoon grated ginger and 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes.

    Ginger and garlic added to the pan.

    Now add 2 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder and cook for 30-40 seconds.

    Dry spices added to the pan.

    Add 1 cup of finely chopped tomatoes and fry for 3-4 minutes until they are mushy, stirring frequently.

    Tomatoes added to the pan.

    Now add the fried bhindi and 1 teaspoon salt to the pan and mix well.

    Bhindi and salt added to the pan.
    Mixed well.

    Reduce the heat to low.

    Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes on low heat. Stir a few times while cooking.

    Pan covered with a lid.

    Open the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until all the moisture evaporates.

    Add 1 teaspoon dry mango powder and cook for another minute.

    Dry mango powder added to the lid.

    Check for salt and add more if needed.

    Serve hot.

    Ready bhindi masala.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to make a no onion no garlic bhindi masala fry recipe?

    Just skip adding onions and garlic to the recipe.

    How to make bhindi less slimy?

    1) Always pat dry the Bhindi after washing and before chopping it to make sabzi. If you chop it directly after washing it, it will turn out to be slimy. I mostly try to wash it a day before cooking. After washing, I just spread it on a kitchen towel and let it dry overnight. Then wipe each bhindi with a kitchen towel and cut it.
    If you are pressed with time, you can wash the bhindi and wipe it clean using a kitchen towel before chopping.

    2) Frying the bhindi in oil before adding it to the masala also reduces the slimy texture.

    3) Use a sharp knife to chop the bhindi. When chopped with a blunt knife, it will become more sticky.

    4) Bhindi needs more oil to cook. Do not skimp on oil while cooking it.

    5) Adding a souring agent like dry mango powder or lime juice while cooking bhindi also helps to reduce the sliminess.

    How to prepare aloo bhindi masala?

    Peel 250 g potatoes and cut them into cubes. Shallow fry the potatoes until browned. Now add them along with bhindi to the recipe.

    Pro Tips By Neha

    Choose young, tender okra with small pods. Larger pods have large seeds which are difficult to digest.

    Wipe the bhindi well before chopping them.

    Fry the bhindi in oil first. It will make sure all the excess water is evaporated and bhindi is cooked yet not slimy. You can also fry the okra in an air fryer instead of frying it in oil.

    You can add aloo (potatoes) to this dish and make aloo bhindi masala recipe.

    You can also add a tablespoon of besan (chickpea flour) to this okra masala recipe and make it even tastier.

    Make a Jain version of this okra recipe by skipping onions and garlic.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve bhindi masala for lunch or dinner along with Dal and Roti. It is also a great option to pack for lunch boxes.

    Dal Tadka, Jeera Rice, Bhindi Masala, and Tandoori Roti is my favorite combination to serve Indian-style meals.

    This Bhindi sabzi tastes great with Indian bread such as Roti, Tawa Paratha, Laccha Paratha, Missi Roti, or Puri.

    Storage Suggestions

    Bhindi Masala Fry will last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Reheat only the amount you want to eat, otherwise, it will decrease its shelf life.

    You can either heat it in a pan or microwave it until nice and warm.

    You Might Also Like

    • Aloo Bhindi (Potato Okra Stir Fry) is a simple Indian sabji made using potatoes, okra, and simple spices. Make it using my easy recipe (vegan, gluten-free).
      Aloo Bhindi Dry Sabzi (Potato Okra Stir Fry)
    • Rajasthani Besan Bhindi is a dry side dish of okra cooked with chickpea flour and spices. This North Indian besan wali bhindi is easy to make and tastes delicious. Here is how to make it.
      Besan Bhindi
    • Bhindi Raita (Okra Raita, Spiced Yogurt With Crispy Okra) is a refreshing raita recipe with crispy bhindi added to mildly spiced yogurt. Serve it on the side with your everyday Indian meals. Here is how to make it.
      Bhindi Raita (Spiced Yogurt With Crispy Okra)
    • Bhindi Ka Salan is a Hyderabadi style tangy and spicy okra curry. Serve it with biryani or Indian bread for a delicious meal. Here is how to make it (vegan, gluten-free).
      Hyderabadi Bhindi Ka Salan (Tangy Spicy Okra Curry)

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Stir Fry) is a very popular North Indian dish made using okra, onions, tomatoes, and spices. This semi-dry curry is super easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes (vegan, gluten-free).

    Bhindi Masala Recipe (Indian Okra Stir Fry)

    Bhindi Masala (Indian Okra Stir Fry) is a very popular North Indian dish made using okra, onions, tomatoes, and spices. This semi-dry curry is super easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes.
    3.65 from 17 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 192kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • 5 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
    • 1 pound bhindi (okra) (500 g)
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 1 cup chopped onions
    • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
    • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchoor)
    US Customary or Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Prepare The Okra

    • Rinse okra well with water. Wipe each bhindi using a kitchen towel and spread the okra on the kitchen counter for an hour for any moisture to evaporate.
    • If there is moisture in okra, it will become slimy.
    • Discard ½-inch from both the ends of okra using a sharp serrated knife and cut the okra into ½-inch round pieces.

    Fry The Okra

    • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chopped bhindi to the pan and fry for 6-8 minutes until slightly browned and crisp, stirring frequently.
    • Remove the okra to a bowl and keep it aside.

    Make The Stir Fry

    • Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the same pan and heat on medium heat. 
    • Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and let them crackle for 4-5 seconds.
    • Add onions and cook until they turn pinkish in color (3-4 minutes), stirring frequently.
    • Add ginger and garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
    • Now add coriander powder, turmeric powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder and cook for 30-40 seconds.
    • Add tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are mushy, stirring frequently.
    • Now add the fried bhindi and salt to the pan and mix well.
    • Reduce the heat to low.
    • Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes on low heat. Stir a few times while cooking.
    • Open the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until all the moisture evaporates.
    • Add dry mango powder and cook for another minute.
    • Check for salt and add more if needed.
    • Serve hot.

    Video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt6-79Hsn9Q

    Notes

    If using frozen okra, make sure to thaw it before using it.
    You can replace dry mango powder with lime juice too.
    Choose young, tender bhindi with small pods. Larger pods have large seeds which are difficult to digest.
    You can add aloo (potatoes) to this dish and make aloo bhindi masala.
    You can also add a tablespoon of besan (chickpea flour) to this recipe and make it even tastier.
    Make a Jain version by skipping onions and garlic.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 570mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1425IU | Vitamin C: 38.7mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 1.8mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Veg Curry Recipes

    • Kashmiri Rajma Masala is a delicious recipe with flavors from dry ginger powder and fennel powder. Here is how to make it.
      Kashmiri Rajma Masala Curry
    • Beetroot Poriyal is a nutritious South Indian style beetroot stir fry made using beetroots, a few spices, and fresh coconut. Make this traditional poriyal using my easy recipe (vegan, can be easily made gluten-free).
      Beetroot Poriyal (South Indian Beetroot Stir Fry)
    • Kadala Curry (Kerala-Style Black Chickpeas Kari) is a quintessential dish in every Malayalee household. It’s a very popular dish to serve with puttu, appam, and dosa for breakfast and is also eaten with idiyappam or string hoppers, paratha, and boiled red rice for lunch or dinner (vegan, can be easily made gluten-free).
      Kadala Curry (Kerala Style Black Chickpeas Kari)
    • Tindora Fry is a North Indian-style spicy stir-fried Ivy gourd sabji. Serve it for your everyday meals with rice or roti (vegan, can be easily made gluten-free).
      North Indian Style Tindora Fry (Stir Fried Ivy Gourd)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





    1. Amrita

      March 21, 2018 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      Yummy recipe Neha..the Okras look so good!

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        March 21, 2018 at 12:18 pm

        Thnx a lot 🙂

        Reply
    2. cakespy

      March 21, 2018 at 11:27 am

      My FAVORITE Indian dish!! Bookmarking this beauty for sure. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        March 21, 2018 at 12:18 pm

        Do try. You will like it.

        Reply
    3. Hari Venkata rao

      November 18, 2018 at 3:26 am

      I love bhindi. Every child likes bhindi .if iam not wrong.the style of cooking is good and very tasty

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        November 19, 2018 at 1:02 pm

        True 🙂

        Reply
    4. nivs

      October 12, 2019 at 8:24 pm

      Tried this recipe and it was super yum 🙂

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        October 13, 2019 at 5:50 am

        Thanks a lot for trying 🙂

        Reply
    5. Shaheen

      September 10, 2023 at 4:22 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for the delicious Bhindi Masala Recipe.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I’m Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I’ve nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Summer Mango Recipes

    • Kacche Aam Ki Launji is a sweet and spicy chutney made using tangy green mangoes, jaggery, and a few simple spices. This chutney keeps good in the refrigerator for upto 3 months. So make a big batch and enjoy!
      Kacche Aam Ki Launji (Sweet & Spicy Raw Mango Chutney)
    • Learn How To Make Mango Pulp in under 5 minutes and use it round the year to make your favorite recipes.
      How To Make Mango Pulp (Mango Puree)
    • Green mango chutney is a spicy and tangy Indian accompaniment made using green mangoes. Serve it with an Indian snack or meals for a tangy treat.
      Green Mango Chutney (Raw Mango Chutney)
    • This Easy Mango Pico De Gallo is fruity, sweet, and spicy and comes together in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Serve it with nachos, chips, rice, or tacos for a perfect summer special accompaniment (vegan, gluten-free).
      Mango Pico De Gallo (Mango Salsa)
    • Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie is a delicious drink loaded with tropical flavors. Sip it for breakfast or for snacks (gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie
    • Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink) is a refreshing Indian summer beverage made using green raw mangoes. It is sweet, tangy, and bursting with beautiful flavors. Make it in an instant pot or a traditional pressure cooker (vegan, gluten-free).
      Aam Panna (Tangy Raw Mango Drink)

    Indian Beverages

    • Beaten Coffee (Indian Style Cappuccino) is a delicious foamy coffee drink popular in North Indian homes. It is served for all marriage functions, special occasions, or for everyday consumption at home. Make it using my easy recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Beaten Coffee (Indian Style Cappuccino)
    • Make Mango Frooti (a popular sweet and tangy mango drink) at home using my easy recipe. It tastes just like the store-bought one, minus the harmful colors and preservatives (vegan, gluten-free).
      Mango Frooti Drink
    • Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat) is a Konkani beverage made using dried kokum. It is a perfect drink to sip on hot summer days (vegan, gluten-free).
      Kokum Juice (Kokum Sharbat)
    • Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a refreshing Old Delhi-style summer drink. It has flavors from watermelon and rose syrup. Here is how to make it (vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan).
      Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
    • Sambaram (Morum Vellam) is Kerala-style spicy buttermilk made with yogurt, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger. It is popularly served during Onam Sadhya with the festive spread (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Sambaram (Morum Vellam, Kerala Style Buttermilk)
    • Kahwa is a Kashmiri tea flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. It is a great drink to sip on cold winter days but can be had throughout the year. Here is how to make it at home.
      Kashmiri Kahwa Tea

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP