
Bhindi Masala
Okra with Onion, Tomato and Dry Spices
Tender okra cooked with golden onions, tomatoes and ground spices until the masala clings to each pod. A dry-style vegetable curry that is easy to serve with roti at lunch.
Published 29 Sep 2026Updated Tested by Hina Ikram
Ingredients
Equipment: Wide non-stick or heavy-based frying pan with a lid, chopping board, sharp knife, kitchen towel
Method
Trim the tops and tips off the okra and cut each pod into 2 or 3 pieces on the diagonal. Make sure the okra is completely dry before cutting, as moisture makes it sticky.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Add the okra in a single layer, working in two batches if needed, and fry for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pieces are bright green-gold and the stickiness has gone. Move to a plate.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 20 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced onions with a pinch of the salt and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and light golden brown.
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.
Add the tomatoes, turmeric, chilli powder, ground coriander and the rest of the salt. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, mashing the tomatoes with your spoon, until they break down and oil begins to separate at the edges.
Return the okra to the pan and add the green chillies. Toss gently to coat, then cover and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, until the okra is tender when pierced with a knife tip but still holds its shape.
Uncover, sprinkle over the garam masala and dried mango powder, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring gently, until the masala clings to the okra and looks dry. Finish with fresh coriander and ginger matchsticks.
Cooking tips
- Dry the okra completely after washing. Wipe each pod with a kitchen towel, or leave them spread out for 30 minutes.
- Frying the okra first and keeping the lid off while it fries helps reduce sliminess.
- Add salt to the okra only at the masala stage; salting it early draws out moisture and makes it sticky.
- Stir gently once the okra is back in the pan so the pieces do not break up.
Substitutions
- Use frozen cut okra if fresh is unavailable; fry it straight from frozen for a few extra minutes without thawing.
- Replace amchoor with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice added at the end.
- Use 1 teaspoon of garlic and 1 teaspoon of ginger, both grated, instead of ginger-garlic paste.
- Swap ghee for oil for a richer flavour (then the dish is no longer vegan).
Serve with
"Serve hot with fresh roti or chapati, plain daal and a small bowl of yogurt raita or sliced onion with lemon on the side. It also goes well with plain rice."
Storage
Cool completely and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a pan over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring gently, until hot throughout. A splash of water helps if it looks dry. Avoid microwaving for long as the okra turns soft.
Nutrition per serving, estimated
Estimated from the ingredient list. Values vary with brands and portion size.
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