Masala Okra

Masala Okra, or Bhindi Masala, is a vibrant and flavorful Indian vegetarian dish that transforms tender okra into a spicy, aromatic delight. This recipe features perfectly sautéed okra tossed in a rich tomato-onion masala infused with earthy cumin, zesty ginger, and a warming blend of turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the careful cooking process—drying the okra thoroughly and sautéing it first to eliminate stickiness. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this gluten-free and vegan-friendly dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, flaky roti, or warm naan, making it a comforting addition to your next meal. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or exploring vegetarian options, this Masala Okra recipe is a must-try for its bold spices and hearty appeal.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Okra (Bhindi)
• 3 tablespoons Oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 medium (finely chopped) Onion
• 2 medium (finely chopped) Tomatoes
• 3 cloves (minced) Garlic
• 1 teaspoon (grated) Ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) Salt
• 2 tablespoons (finely chopped) Cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the okra thoroughly under running water and pat it dry completely with a kitchen towel. Ensure there’s no moisture, as this prevents sticking during cooking.

Step 2

Trim both ends of the okra and slice it into 1-inch pieces.

Step 3

Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add the sliced okra and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned and no longer slimy. Remove the okra from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 5

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes a thick paste.

Step 8

Return the sautéed okra to the pan and mix well to coat with the spice mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors are absorbed.

Step 9

Sprinkle garam masala over the okra and mix gently. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	971.5 grams (971.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	697

Total Fat 45.50g	58%
Saturated Fat 3.10g	16%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2425mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 70.10g	25%
Dietary Fiber 23.70g	85%
Total Sugars 21.40g
Protein 15.70g	31%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 543mg	42%
Iron 9mg	47%
Potassium 2529mg	54%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.4%

Protein: 8.3%

Carbs: 37.3%