If there is one pick which can be termed as our family favorite then it has to be Bhindi and I still have not come across anyone outside my family who dislikes Bhindi.
However my son and Husband love it in the most simple manner but they do enjoy the different variations which I cook and Bhindi Masala is one of those recipes. It’s a simple recipe but the way you cook Bhindi changes everything. How you cut it, when you add salt, how much you cook it…it all changes the texture and taste.
For Bhindi Masala in order to have the crispy Bhindi I prefer pre-cooking Bhindi without salt and then mixing it with masala and trust me it’s one dish you would just be tempted to make every time.Panchforan (mix of mustard, fennel, cumin, fenugreek and onion seeds) adds lot of taste to this dish hence it a must have, however if you don’t have all atleast use fenugreek seeds. Also once Bhindi is mixed in masala it should be immediately served otherwise you might not have that crispy Bhindi Masala though the taste would be as good.
- Bhindi (LadyFinger): 250 gms
- Mustard Oil: 3 tbsp
- Onion: 1 medium sliced
- Red Chilli: 1 whole
- Ginger paste: 1 tsp
- Garlic paste: 1 tsp
- Tomato: 1 chopped
- Mustard seeds: ½ tsp
- Cumin seeds: ½ tsp
- Onion seeds: ½ tsp
- Fennel seeds:1/2 tsp
- Fenugreek seeds: ½ tsp
- Kasoori Methi: 1 tsp
- Aamchur: ½ tsp
- Garam masala: 1tsp
- Coriander seeds: 1tsp
- Turmeric powder: 1tsp
- Cumin powder: 1tsp
- Asafoetida: 1 pinch
- Split Bhindi in two vertically and then cut in 1 inch long pieces.
- Now in a bowl mix turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and add the Bhindi into it and mix properly so the masala gets coated over Bhindi. Let Bhindi rest for 20 mins like this.
- Heat oil in a pan and add all the Bhindi and let it cook without the lid. Keep turning the Bhindis as they turn crispy from one side.Once all the bhindis are cooked and turn crispy take them out and let it rest till we prepare the masala.
- For masala heat 1 tbsp oil and add Asafoetida.red chilli, mustard seeds, onions seeds, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds and let it splatter. Then add sliced onion and sauté till its brown.
- To this add ginger garlic paste and then tomatoes. Now add turmeric powder , coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, salt and cook till oil seperates from masala.
- At this point add fenugreek seeds and then mix Bhindi into to masala.
- Garnish with coriander and serve hot with Naan or chapati.