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    Home » Recipes » Sides and Snacks » Spicy Okra Recipe (Bhindi)

    Spicy Okra Recipe (Bhindi)

    Created on February 9th, 2019 · Last updated on February 23rd, 2022 · 15 Comments

    Diabetes Diet FriendlyHeart HealthyLow CarbVeganDesi (Indian, Pakistani)
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    bowl of spicy okra with onions and tomatoes
    bowl of spicy okra with onions and tomatoes with roti

    Medically reviewed by Shahzadi Devje, Registered Dietitian (RD) & Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

    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 daal. 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…

    How to cook the best Okra recipe - step by step

    prep shots showing how to make spicy okra recipe

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

    Tips to make the best Bhindi recipe

    • I use frozen okra straight out of the freezer. Do not thaw.
    • Saute the okra in oil on high heat. This will help to soak the excess water and prevent slime. Keep a close eye and stir often to prevent burning. This one needs serious TLC.
    • You can add potatoes to this dish which is how my grandma used to make it. It's more filling.
    • Serve with chapati, rice, dal, quinoa, or potatoes with a side salad to create a hearty and balanced meal.

    For more delicious dishes try;

    • Easy Restaurant Style Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant)
    • Spicy Lauki (Opo Squash) Soup
    • Slow Cooker Black Eyed Beans Curry (Lobia) 
    • Mixed Grilled Vegetables
    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,

    Okra Recipe (Bhindi)

    Author Shahzadi Devje
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin
    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!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Main, Side
    Cuisine Desi, ethnic, Indian, pakistani, South Asian
    Servings: 3 people
    pkra (bhindi) in a bowl with roti and lemon slices

    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
    • ½ 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

    • I use frozen okra straight out of the freezer. Do not thaw.
    • Saute the okra in oil on high heat. This will help to soak the excess water and prevent slime. Keep a close eye and stir often to prevent burning. This one needs serious TLC.
    • You can add potatoes to this dish which is how my grandma used to make it. It's more filling.
    • Serve with chapati, rice, dal, quinoa, or potatoes with a side salad to create a hearty and balanced meal.
    Nutrition Facts
    Okra Recipe (Bhindi)
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 101 Calories from Fat 45
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 5g8%
    Saturated Fat 1g5%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 4g
    Sodium 789mg33%
    Potassium 496mg14%
    Carbohydrates 12g4%
    Fiber 5g20%
    Sugar 3g3%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 1350IU27%
    Vitamin C 50.3mg61%
    Calcium 110mg11%
    Iron 1.6mg9%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Please note the nutritional analysis values are estimates and suggestions. This nutrition facts table does not know your life - your body, including your hunger and satiety cues, change daily. It's okay to eat more or less. Say no to food guilt and instead embrace mindful eating.

    Desiliciousrd Shahzadi Devje chopping vegetables in her kitchen
    Shahzadi Devje

    Shahzadi is an award-winning registered dietitian (RD) regulated by the College of Dietitians of Ontario and certified diabetes educator (CDE), approved by the Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Board. A YouTuber and notorious foodie, she's dedicated to helping you end your cooking wars, transform your health, and be the best version of yourself! Shahzadi is an on-air nutrition expert for CTV Your Morning and a regular contributor for Global News and other national media outlets.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Food Blog says

      September 30, 2020 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      5 stars all the waaaay! So easy and quick! And so tasty! Thanks, Shahzadi for this recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Shahzadi Devje says

        October 01, 2020 at 5:56 pm

        You made my day! Thanks for sharing your feedback - means a lot to me 🙂

        Reply
    2. Shristi Patni says

      September 23, 2020 at 7:37 am

      5 stars
      Hi Shahzadi! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I cannot wait to serve it at my next get-together!

      Reply
      • Shahzadi Devje says

        September 23, 2020 at 10:54 am

        Am so glad to hear that! Would love to see a snap of that, Shristi x

        Reply
    3. Supriya Kutty says

      October 12, 2019 at 2:49 am

      Hi Shahzadi, thank you so much for sharing such wonderful recipe of okra my son and daughter just hate eating okra they try and avoid eating okra as much as possible I have to run behind them to have, maybe this time I will try it your style and see if it works or not, apart from that I will surely share it with my mother in law as well she is a big time fan of okra she will love it.

      Reply
      • Shahzadi Devje says

        October 19, 2019 at 9:56 am

        Hi Supriya, thanks so much for sharing! I hope you all enjoy it. Let me know what you think 🙂

        Reply
    4. Sumaiya says

      June 10, 2019 at 11:46 pm

      5 stars
      5 stars all the way!! So easy! So quick! And absolutely delicious! Thanks Shahzadi for this recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Shahzadi Devje says

        June 11, 2019 at 3:57 am

        yay!! Thrilled to hear that, Sumaiya! That's awesome - thanks for sharing your feedback 🙂

        Reply
    5. Vegan says

      March 08, 2019 at 12:05 am

      So yummy!

      Reply
      • Shahzadi Devje says

        March 16, 2019 at 3:34 pm

        so glad to hear that! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    6. yuvi food recipe says

      February 14, 2019 at 12:54 pm

      looked very tasty bhindi recipe and i will try this recipe thanks for this recipe

      Reply
      • Shahzadi Devje says

        February 16, 2019 at 2:06 am

        you're very welcome. Let me know how it goes 🙂

        Reply
    7. fandb stories says

      February 13, 2019 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      It is looking attractive and also new one way to make bindi testy. Thank you to share with us.

      Reply
      • Shahzadi Devje says

        February 27, 2019 at 12:24 am

        My pleasure, thanks so much for your feedback 🙂

        Reply
      • Shahzadi Devje says

        March 31, 2019 at 3:21 am

        My absolute pleasure 🙂

        Reply

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