Ready to make meal planning a breeze? Try this simple and mouthwatering 20-minute okra recipe (Bhindi). An all-time favourite Indian and Pakistani dish, this recipe is bursting with nutrition and flavor. If you’re tired of eating the same ‘ol veggies, this has your name written all over it!

bowl of spicy okra with onions and tomatoes with roti

This lip-smacking Indian/Pakistani okra dish is the perfect accompaniment to all kinds of meals. In fact, it’s a meal in itself, that pairs perfectly with roti, paratha, rice or dhal. My new food crush? Quinoa – it’s a match made in heaven with a dollop of my herb and avocado chutney.

This okra recipe is cooked in a simple medley of fresh tomato and onion with paprika, cumin, lemon and cilantro – this one will make your taste buds dance. The hot kick from the green chilli is, of course, optional.

What is Okra?

Okra also known as ‘ladies fingers’ is an edible plant that’s part of the mallow family. It can be eaten raw, be pickled or cooked and is often added to stews, curries, and salads.

Okra is also well known for having goo or slime inside it which is referred to as mucilage. It’s not uncommon in plants and is also found in aleo vera, cacti and kelp. Although it’s not uncommon in plants it’s not something you see in most everyday vegetables which is why I think, people are put off cooking with it.

How to Reduce the Slime When Cooking Okra?

I saute the okra in oil over a high heat which really helps reduce the slime. If you pickle the okra in vinegar this will also reduce the slime and another option is to soak the okra in water for 5-10 minutes before using although I don’t recommend doing this if you are cooking them in hot oil.

This okra recipe is cooked in a simple medley of fresh tomato and onion with paprika, cumin, lemon and cilantro – this one will make your taste buds dance. The hot kick from the green chilli is, of course, optional.

Ok, for starters, I’d love to hear what your favourite side dish is. Share with me in the comments below or send me an email. Even better, why not just talk food?! I’d love to hear what you’d like to see on the site. What’s your all-time favourite recipe? Is there any food you can’t live without? As you can see, food is my favourite topic 🙂

Lets get back to this desi~licous okra dish, aka Bhindi

prep shots showing how to make spicy okra recipe

Here are my top tips to make the best bhindi dish.

  •  

For more delicious dishes try;

When was the last time you tried something new?
What are your favourite go-to side dishes?

If you try this okra recipe, would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo and hashtag with #desiliciousrd on Instagram, Facebook and twitter!  Can’t wait to see your photos.

Desi~liciously Yours, Shahzadi
RD Approved Badge - Anti Inflammatory
RD Approved Badge - Gut Healthy
pkra (bhindi) in a bowl with roti and lemon slices
5 stars (6 reviews)

Get the Recipe:

Okra Recipe (Bhindi)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 3 people
Ready to make meal planning a breeze? Try this simple and mouthwatering 20-minute okra recipe (Bhindi). An all-time favourite Indian and Pakistani dish, this recipe is bursting with nutrition and flavor. If you’re tired of eating the same ‘ol veggies, this has your name written all over it!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
  • 1 onion, medium, thinly sliced
  • 340 g okra, frozen, pre-cut
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 chili, green, washed, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, medium, washed, diced in medium cubes
  • 2 tbsp lemon, juice of fresh lemon
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, fresh, washed, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In medium pan, heat oil and fry onions until lightly golden.
  • Saute okra on high heat for 5 to 7 mins. Stir often to prevent burning.
  • Reduce heat and add dry spices, chilli and tomato. Stir well to coat okra.
  • Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Once cooked, pour lemon juice over okra and garnish with cilantro. Enjoy hot.

Notes

  •  

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 101kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 12g (4%)Protein: 3g (6%)Fat: 5g (8%)Saturated Fat: 1g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 789mg (33%)Potassium: 496mg (14%)Fiber: 5g (20%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 1350IU (27%)Vitamin C: 50.3mg (61%)Calcium: 110mg (11%)Iron: 1.6mg (9%)

Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Cuisine: Desi, ethnic, Indian, pakistani, South Asian
Course: Appetizer, Main, Side
Did you make this recipe?Mention @desiliciousrd on Instagram or tag #desiliciousrd.