Tawa Bhindi , also known as Spice-Stuffed Okra, offers a distinctive approach to preparing Vegetarian Okra curry.
Traditionally, Bhindi curry (Okra curry) tends to have a slimy or sticky texture, which remains a favorite for many. However, some may prefer a non-sticky consistency.
In contrast, Tawa Bhindi is prepared by using a blend of common household spices, ginger, garlic, stuffing those spices into bhindi and stuffed bhindi fried & cooked in oil over medium heat. This method of preparing a Bhindi when happens on an iron Tawa (iron pan) also adds an extra taste to the curry. Tawa Bhindi is often found at wedding receptions or on restaurant menus and it is famous as ‘Dhaba style bhindi’.
For readers unfamiliar with Indian cuisine, Bhindi is the Hindi name for a vegetable known as Okra or Lady’s finger in English.
What is so special about Tawa Bhindi recipe shared here?
Step by step instructions
Use of spices you would already have
No use of ready-made Garam Masalas
Useful Utensils
Before moving to a recipe, have a look at a list of utensils that might be useful or required, along with a link if you wish to purchase. The link provided below will give direct links to Amazon marketplace.
Iron Tawa/ Round Griddle PanNonstick silicon spatula
Colander/Strainer bowl
Chopping board
Bowls
Knife set
Measuring Cups set
Tablespoon and Tablespoon measuring spoon set
Portable Butane Stove
The method of making Tawa Bhindi is shown in three parts in the recipe section below.
1) Bhindi/Okra masala stuffing preparation
2) Gravy Preparation
3) Tawa Bhindi / Stuffed masala Okra cooking
For preparing Sweet or Drinks along with this recipe, check out our list of Sweets and Drinks section.
Tawa Bhindi, a tempting spice-infused Okra curry, a flavorful Indian Cuisine
Tawa Bhindi Ingrediants
Bhindi/Okra masala stuffing
Gravy
Tawa Bhindi
INSTRUCTIONS
Bhindi/Okra masala stuffing preparation
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Wash 1 plate of Okras, chop off the top and bottom edges
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Prepare stuffing using spices
Take 1 bowl and start adding,
1/2 tsp ajwain (carom seeds),
1/2 tsp Haldi powder (Turmeric powder),
1 tbsp Dhana jeeru powder (Cumin-coriander powder),
Pinch of Hing (asafoetida powder),
1/4 tsp salt and
1/2 tsp red chili powder.
Mix them all well and spices mix is ready to fill inside okra.
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Fill the stuffing into okras
Cut/slit the okras lengthwise ensuring whole okra shape remains intact and okra does not end up being into 2 parts.
Fill the masala stuffing into cut area of Okra and do same way filling for all the okras.
Gravy Preparation
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Cook the spices and vegetables for gravy
Take an iron Tawa or frying pan and put it on a low flame.
Add 1/2 tbsp cooking oil and let it become hot.
Once oil is hot, add 1/4 tsp jeeru (cumin seeds) and pinch of hing (asafoetida powder).
Add 3-4 chopped garlic, small piece of cut ginger, 1 green chilli, 1 largely chopped onion and 1 chopped tomato and 1/4 tsp salt.
Keep stirring the mixture and saute the vegetables and spices for 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft.
Once properly sauted, transfer all of them into separate plate and let it cook down for 5 to 10 minutes.
Then take a mixture jar, add all the mixture into it and add 1 cup of water. Now, thoroughly mix them all until they attain smooth gravy like consistency.
Take the gravy out and add red chilli powder as per your taste.
Now, gravy is ready for cooking Tawa Bhindi.
Tawa Bhindi / Stuffed masala Okra cooking
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Cook stuffed Okra and Gravy
Take an iron Tawa or frying pan and put it on a low to medium flame.
Add 2 tbsp cooking oil and let the oil get hot for a minute.
Once oil is hot, add pinch of cumin seeds, add 1/4 tsp haldi powder (turmeric powder).
Start placing the stuffed masala okras on Tawa.
Keep turning the Okras at every 1 minute interval to ensure that okras are cooking well from all the sides and repeat this for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn dark brownish.
Next, pour the gravy over the cooked okra and continue cooking until they are well combined. Keep stirring for another 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is cooked through. You'll notice the water evaporating from the gravy and oil starting to release from the mixture, indicating that the Tawa Bhindi is ready.
Now, Tawa Bhindi is ready to be served with Chapati, salad, jaggary and butter milk.
