Bharela Bhinda (Stuffed Okra)

Bharela Bhinda is a Jain-friendly recipe comprised of spices, bhindi, yogurt, salt and oil. This recipe is easy in terms of steps, but is time-consuming when it comes to rinsing, drying and then stuffing the bhindi. There is no garam masala powder added in this recipe. Only regular spices such as red chili powder, turmeric powder and dhana-jeera powder. I learned this recipe, using yogurt, from my mother-in-law. Adding yogurt into the masala allows the bhinda to stay green and adds to the taste as well. This bhinda recipe goes well with roti and dal. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups Bhinda/ okra
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons red chili powder (adjust your heat level)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon jeera/ cumin powder
• 3 tablespoons coriander (dhana) powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 3 tablespoons yogurt
• Pinch of hing
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped green coriander leaves
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Wash, wipe dry and trim both ends of the bhinda/okra.
2. Combine all the spices in a bowl with yogurt and salt. Mix well.
3. Slit each bhinda vertically without breaking 
4. Fill each bhinda with the spice mixture and then cut each bhinda in half.
5. Heat oil on a pan/ kadai. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they start to crackle, add hing. Then, add the stuffed bhinda and cook on low heat until they are cooked per your preference (my son liked them a little burned).
6. Do not cover the bhinda otherwise they will get slimy or gooey.
7. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
8. Serve bharela bhinda hot with roti/ chapatis.