Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized with Besan Bhindi, a delicious Indian recipe that makes a savory and filling supper out of delicate okra (bhindi) combined with aromatic spices and chickpea flour (besan). This vegetarian meal is a favorite in Indian homes because of its distinct texture and savory flavor profile.
Wash, dry, and cut into bite-sized pieces of fresh okra to make Besan Bhindi. Then, tossing the okra pieces with besan or chickpea flour helps them absorb excess moisture and cook to a crispy texture.
Add salt to taste, and then toss the okra with a mixture of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. The spices evenly coat the okra, giving it a flavorful burst with every bite.
After seasoning, the okra is sautéed in heated oil until it is soft and cooked through but still has a crunchy outside. Every mouthful of the okra gets a delicious crunch from the besan that builds a beautiful brown crust around it.
Besan Bhindi Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 grams okra bhindi, washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons gram flour besan
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon amchur dry mango powder or lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Okra
- Wash the okra thoroughly under running water and pat them dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels. Ensure that the okra are completely dry to prevent them from becoming slimy while cooking.
- Trim the ends of the okra and slice them into thin rounds or slit them vertically without cutting through to the other side. This helps in cooking the okra evenly and allows the spices to penetrate.
Step 2: Sauté the Okra
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter.
- Once the cumin seeds crackle, add the sliced okra to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt over the okra. Toss gently to coat the okra evenly with the spices.
- Cook the okra for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly crispy.
- Sprinkle gram flour (besan) over the cooked okra and mix well to coat them evenly with the besan.
- Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the besan is roasted and the okra is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle amchur (dry mango powder) or lemon juice over the besan-coated okra and mix well. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- Once the Besan Bhindi is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
- Transfer the Besan Bhindi to a serving dish and serve hot alongside roti, paratha, or rice as a flavorful side dish.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Freshness of Okra: Use fresh and tender okra for the best results. Look for okra pods that are firm, bright green, and free from blemishes or signs of spoilage.
- Drying Okra: Ensure that the okra are completely dry before slicing or cooking them. Moisture on the okra can lead to a slimy texture during cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder according to your spice preference. You can also add green chilies or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Variations: Customize the Besan Bhindi by adding other spices such as garam masala, chaat masala, or kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for additional flavor.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover Besan Bhindi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Usually eaten hot as an accompaniment to rice or Indian bread like roti or paratha, besan bhindi goes well with both. It balances the savory flavors of the dish and goes nicely with creamy yogurt or tart pickles.
Besan Bhindi’s robust flavors and filling texture make it a great choice for a weekday supper or a festive buffet. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this traditional Indian okra meal!
The aromatic and savory Besan Bhindi highlights the distinctive texture and flavor of okra. Besan Bhindi is going to become a staple in your recipe book because of its easy preparation and mouthwatering flavors. Serve it as a crispy snack or as a side dish with rice or roti; Besan Bhindi is a delicious culinary experience that pleases the tongue and the senses.