Vegan Masala Okra Curry

If you have never tried or made an Indian style okra, then I suggest you try to make this easy bhindi recipe.

The tanginess of the tomatoes and the  aromatic flavours of the spices makes this Indian Orka dish with tomatoes a delightful change from a regular okra dish that you make.

In India Okra is called ‘Bhindi’ hence the traditional name of this dish is Bhindi Masala.

Okra is also known as ladies fingers so you can call this dish a ladies finger curry. ( I don’t know if any lady will be happy with thick lined fingers though )

Ingredients for Making Indian Okra Curry

You will need regular spices and fresh herbs to make this simple dry okra dish.

This okra recipe is completely vegan and keto friendly.

Here is a snapshot of  the ingredients you will need.

The amount listed is enough for making easy bhindi masala fry for 3-4 adults.

Fresh Ingredients:

⇒500 gms, cut into small rounds Okra or Bhindi

⇒1 large sized, chopped Onions

⇒ 2 large, chopped fresh tomatoes or tinned tomatoes

⇒ a large handful Coriander leaves or cilantro

Spices used :

⇒1 tsp cumin seeds

⇒1 tsp red chilli powder

⇒ 1 tsp turmeric powder

⇒ 1 tsp curry powder 

Pantry Items 

⇒ 2 tbsp sunflower Oil / ghee

⇒ salt to taste

Substitute or Optional Items 

⇒ Use 3 tbsp of chopped tinned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes 

⇒ Substitute curry powder with 1 heaped tsp of ground coriander powder

How to Make Bhindi Masala – Stepwise method with images

STEP 1

Heat oil in a pan and add a teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let is splutter for few seconds.

STEP 2 

Add onions and stir fry till translucent

STEP 3 

Next add the okras and cook on high heat stirring at regular intervals

STEP 4

When the okras start to turn in colour add the the ground spices that is turmeric powder,  chilli powder and curry powder.

STEP 5 

Fry the okras for about 3 minutes and then add the tomatoes

STEP 6

Cook the tomatoes till pulpy and you see oil leaving the sides

STEP 7

Once the okras are cooked add fresh chopped coriander or cilantro and serve.

Recipe Video For Masala Bhindi

Recipe Notes and FAQ’s 

Here are few cooking notes to keep in mind while making this Indian okra dish.

If you have any other queries, pop a comment below or send me a message and I will get back to you ASAP.

1. Stir the okras occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
2. Do not over fry the onions as they will become too brown when frying along with the okras. Just saute until translucent and add the okras. 
3. Adjust the chilli powder to your preference. Reduce or increase the amount as you wish.  

What type of okras are best for making Masala Bhindi?

It is best to buy tender fresh green okras for making this Indian recipe for okra. It will not taste as good if you try to make it with frozen or stale okras.

How do you remove the stickiness from okra?

Okra’s can become sticky while cutting and cooking . Here are few easy tips to prevent okra’s from becoming to slimy while cooking. 

1. Smear a little oil on the knife that you use to cut the okras. 
2.  Spread the okra around in the pan while cooking instead of piling them on top of each other. This will ensure even cooking and non sticky okras. 
3. Use a large pan that makes it easy to stir the okras. A smaller pan may lead to the pan becoming over crowded. 
4. Do not cover the pan when making this dish. Covering will make the okras slimy. 

How do you cut okra for curry?

I prefer to cut okra is rounds when making curried okra, but you can also cut them in large batons. Try not to cut them too small as the smaller pieces tend to become more sticky while cooking. 

What type of tomatoes is good with Indian style okra curry?

Ripe red tomatoes are the best type of tomatoes to cook this simple bhindi recipe for added taste and texture.