Bharela Bhindi is a savory and aromatic dish from the rich tapestry of Gujarati cuisine in India. Known for its vegetarian delicacies, Gujarati cuisine often features stuffed vegetables, and Bharela Bhindi is a classic example of this culinary style.
Bharela Bhindi Recipe
Bharela Bhindi, also known as Stuffed Okra, is a popular Gujarati dish where okra (bhindi) is stuffed with a spicy and tangy filling and then cooked to perfection. It's a delightful vegetarian dish, full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 500 g Okra (Bhindi) small to medium-sized
- 1/4 cup Peanut powder roasted and crushed
- 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds roasted
- 2 tablespoons Gram flour (besan)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Green chili paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh coriander finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- a pinch Asafoetida (Hing)
- a few tablespoons Water if needed
Instructions
Prepare the Okra:
- Wash the okra and pat dry completely. Trim the ends and make a slit lengthwise in each okra, being careful not to split them into two.
Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut powder, sesame seeds, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, green chili paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, sugar, lemon juice, chopped coriander, and salt. Mix well.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water to bind it together.
Stuff the Okra:
- Carefully stuff each okra with the prepared mixture. Set aside the remaining stuffing mixture.
Cook the Bharela Bhinda:
- Heat oil in a wide pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
- Add asafoetida and the stuffed okra. Gently stir to coat the okra with oil.
- Cover and cook on a low flame, turning occasionally, until the okra is cooked and tender. Sprinkle water if required.
Add Remaining Stuffing:
- Halfway through cooking, sprinkle the remaining stuffing mixture over the okra and continue to cook.
Serve:
- Once the okra is tender and the spices are fragrant, remove from heat.
- Serve hot with roti or as a side dish with rice and dal.
Tips and Information
Conclusion
Bharela Bhindi is a dish that brings the humble okra to life with its rich stuffing and delicate cooking technique. It’s a celebration of the simplicity and ingenuity of Gujarati cooking, offering a delicious experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or exploring it for the first time, Bharela Bhinda is a must-try that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its unique and delectable flavors.
Tips and Overview
- Dry the Okra: Ensure the okra is completely dry before stuffing to prevent it from becoming slimy.
- Slitting the Okra: Be gentle while slitting the okra to avoid breaking them.
- Stuffing Consistency: The stuffing should be moist enough to hold together but not too wet.
- Cooking on Low Flame: Slow cooking on a low flame ensures the okra is cooked evenly without burning the spices.
- Serving: Bharela Bhindi is best served hot and can be garnished with fresh coriander for added flavor.