Okra Masala (Bhindi)

Okra masala is a simple, ideal recipe to have with flatbread or over rice for lunch or dinner. This okra recipe is cooked with onion, tomatoes, garlic and a few common spices. These simple ingredients go great together and create a flavorful dish known as ‘bhindi’. If you’re craving South Asian cuisine but are short on time, give this a try. It’s inspired by Pakistani cuisine and the preparation is a breeze. This recipe is naturally vegan, non-dairy and gluten-free and you can easily double or triple it. 

Okra is low in calories, high in fiber and contains essential vitamins. It’s also rich in antioxidants, and contains a moderate amount of magnesium and potassium. For all of these reasons, okra makes for a great addition to a balanced diet. 

When my mum makes bhindi, she keeps the tomatoes and garlic chunky (which I LOVE). My favorite part is the garlic: it adds a huge amount of flavor to this dish. The biggest change I’ve made to this classic recipe is to cook all the ingredients at the same time and let them simmer together in their own spices and juices. This method is quick, easy and still brings out the rich flavors of okra masala. 

I think that a recipe doesn’t have to be complicated to taste great. Sometimes it can be made with just a few ingredients and still taste incredible. 

I encourage you to share your experience in the comments below if you tried my Okra Masala (Bhindi) Recipe or made it differently. If you took a photo, please share with me on my instagram account ‘zesty_zahra’ and I will share your stories there. I am always happy to learn about people’s food choices and preferences!

Okra Masala (Bhindi)

Zahra

Looking for a flavorful, comforting dish that takes almost zero effort? This Okra Masala (Bhindi) is a game-changer. By using convenient frozen cut okra and tossing all your fresh ingredients and spices into a single pan at once, you get a deeply aromatic, perfectly spiced dish without the usual prep work. It’s a low-maintenance, one-pot recipe that pairs beautifully with warm flatbread or fluffy rice!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Pakistani

Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 1 lb Okra frozen & cut
• 1 medium Yellow Onion half-moon sliced
• 10 cloves Garlic chopped
• 2 medium Roma Tomatoes chopped
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• ¼ tsp Turmeric
• 1½ tsp Salt or to taste

Instructions

 

• Heat a pan over medium heat. Add oil, okra, onion, garlic, tomato, coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, turmeric and salt. Mix ingredients together well..
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, then reduce heat to low-medium. Cover with lid, leaving space for steam to evaporate.
• Simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until water dissolves. Stir gently every 5 to 7 minutes.
• Serve hot with flatbread or rice.

Keyword gluten-free, spicy, vegan