Bhindi Masala Curry (Spicy Stuffed Okra Curry)

By Pavani @napavani
Blogging Marathon# 59: Week 3/ Day 1 Theme: Stuffed Dishes Dish: Stuffed Bhindi Masala Curry We are starting a new week of blogging marathon today and my theme for the week is 'Stuffed Dishes'. First up is a delicious stuffed bhindi/ okra in a tomato gravy recipe.
Recipe is from a Telugu cooking show. It looked like a show stopper and I noted it down in my book. As I was looking for dishes to make for this week, this one looked very tempting and luckily I was able to buy some nice looking okra too.
Okra/ bhindi are first sauteed until tender, then stuffed with the spice powder. When ready to eat, the stuffed bhindi are served along with a simple tomato gravy. This dish goes well with both rice and roti.




Stuffed Okra Curry Ingredients:
  • 12~15 Okra/ Bhindi
  • 1tsp Cumin seeds
  • 2tsp Coriander seeds
  • 2~3 Dry red chilies
  • 1tbsp Dry grated coconut
  • 2tbsp Roasted peanuts
  • 2tbsp Oil
  • 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Green chilies, slit
  • 1tsp Ginger+garlic paste
  • 1cup Tomato Puree
  • ¼tsp Turmeric
  • 1tsp Red Chili powder (adjust per taste)
  • To taste Salt
Method:
  1. Make the Spice powder: Dry roast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, dry red chilies until fragrant. Add dry grated coconut and roast until lightly browned. Cool and grind along with the roasted peanuts until a coarse powder forms.
  2. Prep Okra: Heat 1tbsp oil in a pan, add the okra/ bhindi and saute till tender, about 12~15 minutes. Remove from the pan and wait till cool enough to handle.
  3. Make a slit in the center of each okra making sure not to cut all the way through. Stuff with spice powder and set them aside.
  4. Make Tomato gravy: Heat the remaining 1tbsp oil in a pan, add onion, green chilies, ginger+garlic paste and cook till the onions are lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
  5. Next add the tomato puree, turmeric, salt and red chili powder; cover and simmer for 6~8 minutes or until oil starts to separate around the edges.
  6. To Serve: Take the gravy in a serving bowl, add the stuffed okra and serve.

Lets check out what my fellow marathoners have cooked today for BM# 59.