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.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound okra / bhindi
- ⅛ teaspoon hing (asafetida)
- 2 tablespoon oil, (for stove top)
For Bharwan Masala (Stuffing Mix)
- 2 tablespoon coriander powder
- 2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoon dry mango powder (amchur), adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoon red chili powder, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
Extras:
- Cooking spray, (for air fryer)
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
Instructions
Prep for Bharwa Bhindi Recipe
- Wash the okra. Spread okra on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry to absorb any extra moisture.
- Cut the top 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Stovetop Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)
- Heat oil in a kadai or skillet. When oil is hot, add a pinch of asafetida.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
Air Fryer Bharwa Bhindi (Stuffed Okra)
- Spray the air fryer basket with some cooking oil.
- Place the bharwa bhindi (stuffed okra) in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray okra with some cooking oil.
- 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.
- Repeat the process for the remaining okra.
- 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!
Video
Notes
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.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.
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.Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Bharwa Bhindi | Stuffed Okra
Amount per Serving
Calories
54
% Daily Value*
Fat
1
g
2
%
Saturated Fat
0.3
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Sodium
27
mg
1
%
Potassium
409
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
11
g
4
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
2
g
2
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
1121
IU
22
%
Vitamin C
27
mg
33
%
Calcium
124
mg
12
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Tried this recipe?Mention @livingsmartandhealthy or tag #livingsmartandhealthy
Follow Me On PinterestFollow @livingsmartandhealthy!