Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)

Bharwa Bhindi, or stuffed okra, is a delicious Indian dish that combines the earthy flavors of okra with a bold, spiced stuffing. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a perfect way to enjoy okra in a whole new way, packed with aromatic spices and crispy textures.

Growing up in India, I remember my mom used to make okra (bhindi), a few times a week. She used to make Bhindi Fry, Masala Bhindi, Aloo Bhindi, bharwa bhindi, and so many other dishes. We all used to enjoy it a lot. It was one of the quickest, and the easiest weeknights dinner, making okra (bhindi). Serve it with some roti, paratha, or kadhi khichdi.

Bharwan bhindi (stuffed okra ), this recipe is all about stuffing. You can use any kind of stuffing you like. I have shared different ways to make the stuffing, please refer to the post later - Variations to Bharwan Bhindi (stuffed okra). Be generous with the stuffing, since all the flavors in this dish mainly come from the bharwa masala (stuffing mix).

I will be making this bharwan bhindi (stuffed okra) using my family's favorite stuffing recipe. Simple, flavorful, lip-smacking bharwa bhindi (stuffed okra). Sharing the traditional, Stovetop recipe as well as the Air Fryer version. Enjoy with some roti, naan, or methi paratha, or bathua saag.

You may also like: Air Fryer Okra and Baked Okra recipe

Jump to:

• Recipe Video - Bharwa Bhindi
• What is Bharwa Bhindi?
• Why You’ll Love Bharwa Bhindi
• About Bharwa Masala (Stuffing Mix)
• Recipe for Homemade Bharwa Masala
• Prep for Bharwa Bhindi Recipe
• Method:
• Air Fryer Bharwa Bhindi
• Variations for Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)
• Tips for Perfect Bharwa Bhindi
• How to pick Bhindi (Okra)?
• Storage
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Pairing Suggestions
• Bharwa Bhindi | Stuffed Okra
• Tips for Perfect Bharwa Bhindi
• Variations for Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)
• Storage

Recipe Video - Bharwa Bhindi

What is Bharwa Bhindi?

Bharwa Bhindi is a popular dish in Indian households, especially in the northern and western regions. The word "Bharwa" means "stuffed," and "Bhindi" refers to okra, a vegetable known for its unique texture and health benefits. In this dish, okra is stuffed with a blend of spices and herbs, then cooked to perfection until it’s crisp and flavorful.

Similarly, you can stuff other vegetables such as Bharwa Baingan (stuffed eggplant), Bharwa Aloo (stuffed potato), Bharwa Mirch (stuffed chili pepper), etc.

There are many variations to this simple bharwa masala. Stuffing mixes vary across different regions of India. In Gujarat, people like to add some fresh cilantro and some jaggery to their stuffing. In Maharashtra, stuffing is prepared using freshly grated coconut and crushed peanuts. North Indians like to add garam masala, whereas some also prefer chickpea flour (besan) in the stuffing.

Why You’ll Love Bharwa Bhindi

1. Incredible Flavor: The stuffing creates a burst of spices that perfectly complements the earthy, slightly bitter taste of okra.
2. Nutritious: Okra is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dish not only tasty but also healthy.
3. Versatile: Bharwa Bhindi pairs well with rotis, rice, or even as a standalone dish. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and works well as a side dish for more elaborate meals.
4. Vegetarian & Gluten-Free: Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or are simply looking to cut back on gluten, Bharwa Bhindi is the perfect choice.

About Bharwa Masala (Stuffing Mix)

There are many ways to prepare the stuffing. You can make stuffing at home, or even buy a ready-made bharwan masala (stuffing mix), easily available in most Indian or Asian supermarkets.

This family favorite bharwa masala (stuffing mix) recipe is simple and flavorful, by far the easiest and most delicious recipe, which can be used in many of the Indian dishes, that call for the stuffing mix (bharwa masala).

One of the reasons I love to make my own stuffing mix (Bharwa Masala) is that, I have full control over the spices. I can add spices to my liking. And that is the best part of it.

I prepare the spice mixture and store it in an airtight container. Just stuff the okra before cooking when I'm ready to make the dish.

This homemade stuffing mix (bharwa masala) has a long shelf life. I just use the stuffing mix (bharwa masala), whenever I am making a stuffed (bharwa) dish.

Pic Shown: Homemade Bharwa Masala

Recipe for Homemade Bharwa Masala

Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons coriander powder
2. 2 teaspoons cumin powder
3. 1 teaspoons turmeric
4. 2 teaspoons dry mango powder (amchur), adjust to taste
5. 2 teaspoons red chili powder, adjust to taste

Method:

1. Mix all the spices. Store it in an air-tight glass jar. Use it as required.
   • Note: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red chili powder.
   • Note: Adjust tanginess by adding more or less dried mango powder.
2. This bharwa masala (stuffing mix) has a long shelf life. Always use a dry, clean spoon each time you take the spice mixture.

Prep for Bharwa Bhindi Recipe

Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra), is simple, and easy to make, with just one veggie and a few spices, you can make a lip-smacking dish in no time.

Step 1: Wash the okra. Spread okra on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry to absorb any extra moisture.

Step 2: Cut the top and bottom (optional) of the okra. Make a vertical (lengthwise) slit on each okra, be careful not to cut the okra in half. It will still be intact on the other side.

Pic Shown: Prepping Okra for Bharwa Bhindi

Step 3: Prepare the bharwa masala (stuffing) for the okra. Take a bowl, add all the dry spices - coriander powder, cumin powder, dried mango powder (amchur), red chili powder, turmeric and salt to taste. Mix all the spices until well combined.

Pic Shown: Mixing Bharwan Masala

Step 4: Take a bhindi (okra) and stuff it generously with the prepared stuffing (masala). Repeat the process with the remaining okras. Keep it aside. Save any leftover stuffing (masala) for later use.

Method:

Step 1: Heat oil in a kadai or skillet. When oil is hot, add a pinch of asafetida.

Step 2: Carefully, slide all the stuffed okra into the skillet. Add all the leftover stuffing(masala). Let the bhindi (okra) sear for 30-60 seconds on a high heat.

Step 3: Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook. Gently, stir the okra every couple of minutes, until the okra is tender and cooked. It takes around 8-10 minutes for bhindi (okra) to be cooked.

Step 4: Dish out okra in a serving dish. Garnish with some fresh cilantro and freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional). Serve bharwan bhindi recipe (stuffed okra) with Indian breads such as roti, naan, or paratha. Enjoy!

Pic Shown: Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)

Air Fryer Bharwa Bhindi

Step 1: Spray the air fryer basket with some cooking oil. 

Step 2: Place the bharwa bhindi (stuffed okra) in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray okra with some cooking oil.

Step 3: Air fry bhindi (okra) at 350F for 10 minutes. Remove the basket and check for the doneness of okra. Note: Different air fryer have different temperature settings. Add 1 to 2 minutes of cooking time if required.

Step 4: Repeat the process for the remaining okra.

Step 5: Dish out okra in a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional). Serve bharwa bhindi (stuffed okra) with Indian breads - roti, naan, or paratha. Enjoy!

Pic Shown: Air Fryer Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)

Variations for Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)

For the variation for Bharwa Bhindi recipe (stuffed okra), you can add different flavors to the basic stuffing mix (Bharwa Masala), such as:

• Garlic: - add fresh garlic (minced or crushed), or garlic powder
• Peanuts: - add handful of crushed peanuts to the basic bharwa masala
• Coconut: - freshly grated or dry desiccated coconut can be added to the stuffing mix.
• Roasted Besan (Chickpeas Flour): - roast around 2 tablespoons of besan (chickpeas flour), mix it with the basic bharwa masala (stuffing mix) and use it as a stuffing.
• Combination of Flavors: You can use one or a combination of the above ingredients for the stuffing, such as - roasted besan & garlic, roasted besan, garlic, & peanuts, or roasted besan & coconut.

Tips for Perfect Bharwa Bhindi

Choose Fresh Okra: Fresh okra ensures a crispy texture and better flavor. Look for tender, firm pods without any blemishes.

The star ingredient of this recipe is bhindi (okra), pick the fresh, young okra for the best results. See the post later for - How to pick Bhindi (Okra)?

Dry Okra Well: Make sure to pat dry the okra before stuffing to avoid any excess moisture, which can make the dish soggy.

Make a Vertical Slit: Carefully make a vertical slit in the okra, without splitting the okra into two pieces.

Taste the Masala: Before using, taste the stuffing mixture and adjust the spices. Add more red chili powder for spiciness or more amchur for that tangy flavor.

Stuff Okra Generously: Be generous with the Bharwa Masala when stuffing the okra, as the spice mix is what gives the dish its rich flavor. The more you stuff, the more flavorful your Bharwa Bhindi will be!

Single Layer: Use a wide bottom pan, to fit okra in a single layer for even cooking. 

Moderate Heat: Cook on medium heat for the perfect balance between crispiness and tenderness.

Cook the stuffed okra (Bharwa Bhindi), for the first 30-60 seconds on a high heat. This will give a nice char flavor to the dish. Later reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook until okra is tender and cooked.

Gently, toss the okra a couple of times for even cooking. It takes around 8-10 minutes for okra to be cooked.

How to pick Bhindi (Okra)?

Okra comes in many sizes. From long, and slender to short and thick. When it comes to picking okra, I look for fresh, young okra that is bright in green color and has no black or brown spots. I prefer short or medium and thick okra. These are usually the best kind. They are not woody and also have smaller seeds as compared to the long, slender okra.

Young okra is around 2-3 inches tall, whereas mature okra is more than 3 inches tall. Look for young okra, it tastes great and has smaller seeds too. Fresh okra stays good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. 

Storage

Yes, you can store leftover Bharwa Bhindi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a pan or oven to restore the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the okra soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pairing Suggestions