Delicious homemade aloo bhindi - a flavorful North Indian dish made with potatoes and okra. Try this easy recipe for a comforting meal!
In a quaint little kitchen tucked away in a cozy corner of an old family home, a tradition was upheld with love and devotion. It was the tradition of making aloo bhindi, a dish that transcended generations and held a special place in the hearts of the family members.
Every weekend, without fail, grandma would set her worn-out rolling pin to work, kneading the softest dough for parathas. Her fingers, weathered by years of love and care, worked their magic, creating perfectly round and thin parathas that were both crispy and soft. As the parathas sizzled on the hot griddle, their aroma filled the kitchen, calling out to the entire family.
Meanwhile, in the same kitchen, my mom carefully prepared the aloo bhindi. She selected the freshest okra, green as the leaves in spring, and the plumpest potatoes. With great skill, she chopped the okra, making sure it was completely dry to avoid the dreaded slime. The potatoes were diced into uniform cubes, ready to soak up the flavors of the spices.
The spices danced in the air as they hit the hot oil in the pan – cumin seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida. Turmeric, chili powder, and coriander powder followed, releasing a rich, warm fragrance. Then came the okra and potatoes, sizzling and browning, absorbing the spicy embrace.
Finally, as the parathas came off the griddle, golden and inviting, they were served hot on a plate, a perfect pairing with the aromatic aloo bhindi, achar (pickle), and dahi (homemade yogurt). The family gathered around the table, their faces illuminated by the love and joy of sharing this soulful meal. It was a moment where stories were exchanged, laughter was abundant, and the simple act of enjoying aloo bhindi with paratha became a cherished tradition that bridged the generations.
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Aloo Bhindi Ki Sabji
Aloo bhindi is a beloved North Indian vegetarian dish that perfectly blends the earthy comfort of potatoes (aloo) with the unique texture and flavor of okra (bhindi). This dish is a symphony of spices and ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.
To prepare aloo bhindi, potatoes are typically peeled and cut into small cubes, while okra is washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces. The combination of these two vegetables is cooked in a fragrant mix of spices like cumin seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
The result is a dish that offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the potatoes adding a creamy element and the okra providing a subtle crunch. A sprinkling of garam masala and fresh coriander leaves adds the finishing touches, elevating aloo bhindi to a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
Whether enjoyed with roti, paratha, or rice, aloo bhindi is a testament to the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine.
Ingredients For Aloo Bhindi Recipe
Here's is a description of the ingredients used in aloo bhindi:
Potatoes (Aloo): Potatoes provide a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor to the dish. Potatoes are peeled, chopped into small cubes, and cooked until tender in aloo bhindi.
Okra (Bhindi): Okra, adds a distinct flavor and a pleasant crunch to the dish. Bhindi is typically washed, dried, and chopped into small pieces before cooking.
Oil: Cooking oil, often vegetable oil or mustard oil, is used for sautéing and frying the vegetables and spices.
Cumin Seeds (Jeera): Cumin seeds provide a warm and earthy flavor. They are commonly used in Indian cooking and are often tempered in hot oil at the beginning of the cooking process to release their aroma.
Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Turmeric powder provides a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. It is used for its vibrant color and adds a subtle warmth to the dish. Turmeric is also known for its health benefits.
Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirch): Red chili powder imparts heat and spiciness to the dish, and the quantity can be adjusted to suit your desired level of spiciness.
Coriander Powder (Dhania): Coriander powder is a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor and is a common spice in Indian cuisine. It adds depth of flavor and aroma to the dish.
Salt: Salt is used to season the aloo bhindi and enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients. The amount of salt can be adjusted to taste.
Garam Masala (optional): Garam masala is a blend of various ground spices. It adds a warm and aromatic complexity to the dish and is usually sprinkled at the end of the cooking process for maximum flavor.
Fresh Coriander Leaves (Cilantro): Fresh coriander leaves, also known as cilantro, are often used as a garnish for aloo bhindi. They add a refreshing and herbaceous flavor and a pop of green color to the dish.
These ingredients, when combined with the right spices and cooking techniques, create aloo bhindi—a flavorful and satisfying North Indian vegetarian dish.
How To Make Bhindi Aloo Recipe
Here's a basic aloo bhindi recipe with approximate measurements for 4 servings. You can adjust these measurements based on your preferences and the number of servings you need:
Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into small cubes or sticks. Similarly, wash the okra and chop it into small pieces or cut vertically into four pieces.
Heat the cooking oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
Add the cumin seeds and asafetida. Let the seeds splutter and release their aroma.
Add the cubed potatoes to the pan and cook them until they become slightly golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Once the potatoes are partially cooked, add the chopped okra to the pan. Add some lemon juice and mix well. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until both the potatoes and okra are tender and cooked through.
Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt over the vegetables. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
Cook the mixture for a few more minutes, allowing the spices to blend in with the vegetables.
Finally, sprinkle garam masala (optional) over the aloo bhindi and mix well.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
This recipe should give you a delicious and flavorful aloo bhindi dish for four servings. You can serve it with roti, paratha or rice, or any bread of your choice. Enjoy your homemade aloo bhindi!
Storage
Store leftover aloo bhindi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer-term storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
Variations To Aloo Bhindi Fry
There are a few delicious variations of aloo bhindi that you can try to add variety to your meals. Here are a some popular ones:
Aloo Bhindi Masala: This version includes a rich tomato-based gravy with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. It transforms the dish into a saucier and more flavorful curry.
Bhindi Aloo Fry: In this variation, the vegetables are shallow or deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture. It's a great option if you prefer a crunchy, less slimy okra.
Aloo Bhindi with Capsicum: Adding cubes of bell peppers to the dish makes it colorful and flavorful. Capsicum can be added during the last few minutes of cooking to maintain its crunchy texture.
Feel free to experiment with these variations or combine elements from different recipes to create your own unique version of aloo bhindi. The key is to adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your taste preference
Tips For Aloo Bhindi Sabji
Here are some tips to help you make delicious aloo bhindi:
Choose Fresh Vegetables: Select fresh okra and potatoes for the best results. Look for firm, unblemished okra pods and firm, smooth-skinned potatoes.
Dry Okra Thoroughly: Wash the okra and pat it completely dry before chopping. This helps reduce the sliminess of okra when cooking.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan: A heavy-bottomed pan or skillet helps distribute heat evenly, preventing the food from sticking or burning.
Uniform Size: Try to cut the potatoes and okra into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster.
Control Moisture: Avoid covering the pan while cooking the okra because it can trap moisture and make the dish slimy. Instead, cook it uncovered or with a partially covered lid.
Don't Overcook: Be cautious not to overcook the okra, as it can become mushy. Cook until it's tender but still has a slight crunch.
Adjust Spice Levels: Adjust the quantity of red chili powder and other spices to match your preferred level of spiciness.
Add Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can enhance the flavors and provide a tangy kick to the dish and also helps reduce the sliminess of okra.
By following these tips, you can make aloo bhindi that is flavorful, not too slimy, and tailored to your liking. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ's
Bhindi, also known as okra or lady's fingers, is a vegetable made from the edible seed pods. These green pods are typically long and tapered, containing small, round seeds, and they are used in various culinary dishes around the world.
To prevent bhindi (okra) from becoming slimy when cooking, ensure it's completely dry before chopping and cooking, as moisture contributes to the slime. Additionally, avoid covering the pan while cooking and use high heat for shorter cooking times to help reduce the sliminess of okra.
Bhindi becomes sticky or slimy when cooked due to the presence of a natural substance called mucilage in its pods. When okra is exposed to moisture or overcooked, this mucilage is released, resulting in the characteristic slimy texture.
The number of calories in aloo bhindi can vary based on factors like portion size and specific ingredients used. On average, a serving of aloo bhindi (approximately 1 cup or 240 grams) contains around 150-200 calories, but this can be higher or lower depending on the cooking method and additional ingredients such as oil and spices.
Pair Aloo Bhindi With
Aloo Bhindi | Indian Potatoes Okra Stir Fry
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ lb okra ;(bhindi)
- 1 large potato
- ¼ teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
- 2 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder ;to taste
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon dry mango powder ;(amchur), to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Garam Masala (optional)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons oil – any neutral oil
- salt as required
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into small cubes or sticks. Similarly, wash the okra and chop it into small pieces or cut vertically into four pieces.
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cumin seeds and asafetida. Let the seeds splutter and release their aroma.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pan and cook them until they become slightly golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Once the potatoes are partially cooked, add the chopped okra to the pan. Add some lemon juice and mix well. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until both the potatoes and okra are tender and cooked through.
- Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt over the vegetables. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- Cook the mixture for a few more minutes, allowing the spices to blend in with the vegetables.
- Finally, sprinkle garam masala (optional) over the aloo bhindi and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Notes
- Tips For Delicious Aloo Bhindi
- FAQ's
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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