Bhindi Coconut Masala - Okra Coconut Masala

Simple, flavourful stir fried bhindi (okra) in a spicy coconut paste is what we prepared today for our sunday special lunch. Best served with dal rice.

Ingredients: (Serves 3)

• 300 gms Bhindi (Okra)

• 5 tbsp or 50gms Shreded Coconut

• 1 Medium size Onion finely chopped

• 2 tsp Red Chilly Powder

• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds

• 1/4th tsp Hing (Asafoetida)

• 1/4th tsp Turmeric Powder

• 2 tbsp Goda Masala OR Garam Masala ( use coriander-cumin seeds powder if you don't have goda or garam masala)

• 1tsp Sugar (Optional)

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp Oil

Method:

• First we need to make a coconut paste, for that in a blender add shredded coconut & red chilly powder. Without using water blend coconut to a fine paste. Coconut paste is ready.

• Wash and dry bhindi (okra). Cut both the edges and give a slight shallow slit across the bhindi (okra) on one side. Now cut into atleast 2cms pieces and not very fine.

• Click the below video link to see how to exactly cut the bhindi (okra) for this dish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzjyqb7dnI

• Now in a pan add oil and mustard seeds. When mustard seeds begins to crackle add hing (asafoetida), turmeric powder and finely chopped onions. 

• Saute onions for 2-3 mins. Now add chopped bhindi (okra) and saute on medium flame for about 10 mins. Cook this bhindi (okra) in open pan, do not cover the pan with lid.

• After 10 mins add coconut paste and mix well. Now add goda masala or garam masala or coriander-cumin seeds powder, sugar (optional), salt. Mix well and check for seasoning. 

• Addition of sugar will enhance the flavour of this dish.

• Cook the bhindi (okra) till its tender and all the spices are properly incorporated.

• Bhindi (Okra) Coconut Masala is ready. 

• Serve with dal rice, roti, phulka or any flat bread of your choice. 

Tip: You can add 1 tbsp of Amchur Powder (Raw Mango Powder) to make it little tangy.