Punjabi Dry Bhindi (North Indian fried okra)

Even people who think they hate okra love this Punjabi Dry Bhindi! Okra, known in India as bhindi, showcases its unique texture and vibrant deliciousness in this classic North Indian recipe. 

Punjabi Dry Bhindi combines the aromatic spices of cumin, coriander, and channa masala, along with the heat of green chilies, to create a complex blend of flavors. Grated ginger, dry grated coconut, coriander leaves (cilantro), and a touch of lemon juice balance and enliven the perfectly cooked okra. 

With its vibrant colors and aromatic spices, Punjabi Dry Bhindi is a delightful vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course with rice or roti. You can serve it with hot, perfectly cooked Amritsari Kulcha, with a side of dal tadka, masoor Dahl, or my 100% vegan butter chicken that's made from my juicy, tender seitan. Want another great veggie sabji to serve with it? The ridge gourd curry on my blog is BANGIN’ and will make you so happy to be veg! 

The secret to perfecting this recipe lies in the careful balance of spices and the cooking technique to ensure the okra remains tender, flavorful, and free from sliminess. Following a few essential steps, such as choosing fresh okra, properly drying it, and avoiding overcrowding in the pan, guarantees a satisfyingly crisp and delicious outcome.

Grab a pan, because greens are the “meat” of a vegetarian diet, and you are about to fall head over heels in love with this Punjabi Dry Bhindi!

🥰Why you are going to adore the ever-loving heck outta this recipe

Go ahead and marry this okra recipe, no judgment…

👉Non-Slimy Okra: One common concern when cooking okra is its tendency to become slimy. However, this recipe ensures that the okra is perfectly cooked and free from excess slime. By following the cooking instructions and incorporating important steps like drying the okra and avoiding overcrowding in the pan, you can enjoy the delightful texture of the okra without any undesirable sliminess.

👉Vegan AF: Like all of the recipes I share, this okra recipe is completely vegan. This is the 21st century, and it's our entire species needs to wake up and gravitate towards a diet of non-violence, and an attitude of respect and stewardship for animals and the planet.

👉Easily made sattvic: The dish can be made sattvic by simply omitting the onions. This modification allows the dish to be suitable for bhoga offerings, or for individuals who prefer meals free of onions and garlic. Check out my cooking class on sattvic vegan cooking to learn more about this cooking method and way of life.

👉Gluten-free: I know you hate gluten so much that every time you see a slice of bread, the veins in your neck bulge up, your face turns red, and you punch through a sheetrock wall. Well, no worries here, because this okra dish hates gluten just as much as you!

🚚How did Punjabi style bhindi become so popular?

I remember my first time traveling through Punjab, stopping late at night at a dhaba for dinner and being blown away by the atmosphere and food. Dhabas are traditional roadside eateries that have become an integral part of the Punjabi food culture. These rustic truck-stop eateries are known for serving hearty, flavorful, and soul-satisfying meals, often characterized by generous portions and bold flavors. I’m going to be honest here when I say, I have had some of the best, as well as some of the worst meals in my life, served at Punjabi Dhabas.  The great pure-veg ones are far and few between, and many dhabas serve animal flesh (which is terrible…) and because of the dusty Punjabi roads, they can sometimes be a little filthy.

Punjabi dhabas offer a diverse range of dishes, showcasing the region's agricultural abundance and love for robust flavors. Expect to find a plethora of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including classics like channa masala, tandoori chicken, dal makhani (creamy, buttery lentils), biryani, and of course, bhindi. These dishes are prepared using traditional cooking methods, such as slow-cooking in clay tandoors or handi (traditional pots), which infuse them with a distinct smoky flavor and tender texture.

The charm of dining at a Punjabi dhaba lies not only in the delectable food but also in the lively ambiance and warm hospitality. Dhabas often feature vibrant decor (like wacky neon lighting and larger-than-life Bollywood-style signage), rustic seating arrangements, and a bustling atmosphere that reflects the vibrancy of Punjabi culture. It is not uncommon to see families, friends, tuck drivers, and travelers gathering at dhabas to enjoy a hearty meal together, creating a sense of community and camaraderie.

🌶️Notable ingredients and substitutions

Indian green chilies, known for their vibrant heat, are commonly used in Indian cooking to add spice and depth to dishes. They bring a fresh, fiery flavor to the Punjabi Dry Bhindi. If Indian green chilies are not accessible, you can substitute them with other green chili varieties such as serrano peppers or jalapeños, or use red bird’s eye chilies (aka Thai chilies), adjusting the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

Channa masala is a popular spice blend used in Indian cuisine, specifically in chickpeas (channa) dishes. It imparts a robust and slightly tangy flavor to the dish. If channa masala powder is not available, you can substitute it with a combination of ground cumin, coriander, a pinch of fenugreek powder (kauri methi), and a pinch of amchur (dried mango powder) for a similar flavor profile. You can also substitute garam masala for a more warming flavor.

Lemon juice helps perk up the flavors and deglaze the pan, picking up more of the pieces and flavors that would otherwise be left behind in the pan. Alternatively, you can replace the lemon juice with lime juice or a splash of white vinegar. Adjust the quantity of juice according to your taste preferences, ensuring a balance of tanginess in the dish.

A couple of ways to tweak this recipe for your taste:

If you want a more pungent recipe, add a dash of hing, or some ginger garlic paste to the pan when you are sautéing the onions. Or, for a little extra heat, consider adding some Kashmiri red chili powder, or additional sliced fresh chilies.

How to select the best okra to cook

There are two ways to hate okra - either slimy or woody and fibrous. Here are some ways you can ensure you pick out the perfect okra for cooking:

1. Look for vibrant green color: Choose okra pods with a bright, vibrant green color. Avoid okra that appears dull, yellowish, or has dark spots, as it may indicate age or lack of freshness.
2. Medium-sized pods: Smaller to medium-sized okra pods are generally more tender and less fibrous than larger ones. They are ideal for achieving a desirable texture in the Punjabi Dry Bhindi.
3. Check for firmness: Gently squeeze the okra pods to check for firmness. They should feel firm and crisp, indicating freshness. Avoid okra that feels soft or limp, as it may be overripe or lesser quality.
4. Examine the stems: The stems of the okra pods should be green, fresh-looking, and not wilted or dried out. Healthy stems indicate that the okra has been recently harvested and is in good condition.
5. Avoid blemishes and scars: Inspect the okra for any blemishes, bruises, or scars. Choose pods that are smooth and free from visible damage, as they are more likely to be fresh and have a better texture when cooked.

This recipe works great with standard okra or “desi okra”. Desi is a modern Hindi term that means “country” (coming from the Sanskrit word deśa (location), which you see pop up in the names of many places that end with -desh like Bangladesh, Radhadesh, and Brahmadesh). Over time, desi has come to mean “Indian” to most people. Anyway, the desi okra tends to be more slender, lighter green, and has smaller seeds than the American variety. Both varieties work great in this recipe, as long as the above five conditions are met.

📖Step-by-step instructions

Here ya go. Follow this photographic guide for making dry bhindi, or you can follow along with the easy-to-print recipe card towards the bottom of this page.

Step 1

Start by giving the okra a thorough wash under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or impurities. After washing, use a kitchen towel or paper towels to pat the okra dry.

Trim off the small stems from the okra and discard them. Then, cut the okra into 1 cm sections. Cutting the okra into equal-sized pieces ensures even cooking. You can slice the okra into slightly smaller pieces if you prefer a shorter cooking time and a crunchier texture.

Step 2

Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over high heat. After 60 seconds, once the oil is hot, carefully add the sliced okra to the pan. Fry the okra for approximately four minutes, flipping it gently every minute. This flipping technique prevents excessive stirring, which can lead to sliminess. The aim is to achieve a crisp texture around the edges.

Avoid overcrowding the pan with too much okra at once, as it may cause uneven cooking. It's better to cook in small batches.

Step 3

Add the cumin seeds (jeera) to the hot oil and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until they release their aromatic fragrance.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté them for approximately three minutes until the onion turns translucent and lightly golden brown.

Step 5

Once the onion and ginger are cooked, sprinkle the coriander powder, channa masala powder, and dry grated coconut evenly over the okra. Stir everything together to ensure that the spices coat the okra uniformly. Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can also add a pinch of turmeric powder for extra color.

Cover the pan with a lid and cook the okra on low heat for 6-8 minutes. This gentle cooking process allows the okra to soften and cook through, infusing it with the flavors of the spices.

Step 6

Remove the lid and add the minced green chilies, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust the amount of green chilies based on your preferred spice level.

Transfer the contents of the pan to an attractive serving dish. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced fresh red chilies to add a pop of color and additional flavor.

🍽️Serving Ideas

Bhindi is a versatile dish that complements a variety of Indian meals. It pairs perfectly as a simple subji alongside kala chana or chana dal or coconut rice. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider adding sides such as onion bhaji, medhu vada, arhar dal tadka, red lentil dahl, and crispy flaky pan-cooked breads like Kerala-style parotta.

🔥Serve it with your favorite Indian pickles such as amla, green chili, spicy cucumber, or carrot pickles. Or top it with delicious, fiery shatta.

Are you looking to level this meal up with other delicious veggies? You can serve bhindi with Kerala-style aviyal, saag aloo, parval curry, makhana subzi, coconut milk gourd curry, lauki subzi.

You can even garnish the bhindi with some masala phool makhana for a crunchy, spicy contrast.

🤷‍♀️FAQ

❤️ My favey dishes to serve with bhindi:

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Punjabi Dry Bhindi (North Indian fried okra)

This vegan and gluten-free recipe features crispy okra cooked to perfection with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and channa masala. Bursting with savory goodness, this dish is a delightful addition to any Indian feast.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Sabji, Sides

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: bhindi

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 3 servings

Calories: 152kcal

Cost: $6.50

Equipment

• cutting board
• large frying pan
• slotted spoon

Ingredients

• 12 oz. 340 g. okra
• 3 tablespoons canola oil vegetable oil, or sunflower oil
• ½ teaspoon jeera cumin seeds
• 1 small yellow onion diced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon chana masala
• 1 tablespoon dry grated coconut
• 4 teaspoons minced green or red chilies
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

To garnish:

• Fresh chopped cilantro leaves
• Thinly sliced fresh red chilies to taste

Instructions

• Thoroughly wash the okra, and pat it dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. 
• Cut off and discard the small stems of the okra, and cut the okra into 1 cm. sections.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over high heat.
• After 60 seconds, when the oil is hot, add the sliced okra, and fry it in the hot oil for four minutes until crisp around the edges. Flip the okra about every minute, without stirring it excessively so it doesn’t become slimy.  
• Add the cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until they become aromatic.
• Add the diced onion and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté them for about three minutes until the onion becomes translucent and lightly golden brown.
• Once the onion and ginger are cooked, add the coriander powder, channa masala powder, and dry grated coconut over the okra. Mix everything together so that the spices are evenly distributed.
• Cover the pan and cook the okra on low heat for about 6-8 minutes. This will allow the okra to soften and cook through.
• Remove the lid and stir in the minced green chilies, lemon juice, and salt.
• Place the contents of the pan into an attractive serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and finely chopped fresh red chilies to taste.

Notes

To ensure that the okra doesn't come out slimy when cooking Punjabi Dry Bhindi, follow these important steps:

1. Choose fresh okra: Select fresh okra that is firm, vibrant green, and free from bruises or blemishes. Fresh okra tends to be less slimy than older or wilted okra.
2. Thoroughly dry the okra: After washing the okra, make sure to pat them completely dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture on the okra can contribute to increased slime during cooking.
3. Trim the ends properly: Trim off both ends of the okra before slicing them. Removing the stem end reduces the chances of excess slime being released while cooking.
4. Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cook the okra in batches or use a large enough skillet or frying pan to ensure that the okra is spread out in a single layer. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of sautéing, which can result in slimy okra.
5. Cook on high heat: Start cooking the okra on medium-high heat to quickly sear the exterior and seal in the moisture. This helps prevent excessive slime formation. Avoid cooking over medium heat, especially in the initial cooking phase.
6. Do not cover the pan initially: Allow the okra to cook uncovered for the first few minutes. This helps evaporate any excess moisture and reduces the chances of sliminess.
7. Avoid excessive stirring: While cooking, avoid stirring the okra too frequently, as this can break down the vegetable and release more slime. Stir occasionally and gently to ensure even cooking.
8. Use acidic ingredients: Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice or tomatoes can help reduce the sliminess of okra. In the provided recipe, the lemon juice helps balance the flavors and minimize slime.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 390mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.2mg