How To Cook Quick & Easy Stuffed Bhindi In 15 Minutes

One bite, the taste buds come alive, the aroma tingles the nose and you want more of this dish. Oh yes! we are going to talk about a vegetable which is underrated, despite all its goodness, and being abundantly found in India. It is most easily grown and most easily cooked. Our very own humble "Bhindi" or Ladyfinger, loaded with all the factors which health-conscious love, is full of fiber, low in calories and rich in all the vitamins which most vegetables bring along with them. We will transform the humble Bhindi into a finger licking dish the "Stuffed Bhindi" or The Bharwa Lady Finger".

What is Stuffed Bhindi

Stuffed bhindi is prepared with Indian spices like fennel seeds (Saunf), cumin seeds (Jeera), coriander powder (Dhaniya), mango powder(amchur), hing, turmeric powder (Haldi). By mixing all the dry spices together you get a magic masala, and you will get unique Favour in the end. Now all we need to do is to mix the masala thoroughly and cook. This recipe saves you the hassle of filling the stuffing into the slit Okra and makes sure that you get a similar taste without having to do the stuffing.

Today I am sharing with you this wonderful recipe which has a unique stuffing enhancing the taste, prepared by the combination of Indian spices and these mixed spices have a unique unforgettable aroma and taste, which is tangy, also has a spicy flavor that lingers in the mouth even after you are finished with your meal.

But before we go ahead you should know some facts and benefits about this humble vegetable.

As we all know, any green vegetables are healthy and contain numerous vitamins and minerals.

This humble vegetable has a large fan following all over the country. 

In our country green vegetables are commonly available, and they hold a special place in every household. Be it Spinach, Beans, Cabbage or okra, one of these you will always find being cooked in Indian kitchens.

One can't think of how many benefits this soft and humble vegetable locks within itself. It is loaded with vitamins like A, B, C. Including lady finger in daily diet not only boosts the flow of vitamins and minerals that are required on a daily basis, but also aids in keeping our vision sharp as it contains large amounts of Carotenoids.

It is also on the menu if one has guest for meals as it is quick and easy to prepare. It is readily available in market.

Being easily available it is a must have dish when friends get together for a quick bite. There are numerous recipes with which one can experiment by preparing this vegetable.

Benefits Of Lady Finger 

All vegetables have some common benefits. You might be wondering why I am telling you all this, but this is just to reinforce the knowledge already with you.

1). Keeps your heart fit and healthy

This wonderful vegetable contains no cholesterol, which is beneficial for the heart. This amazing vegetable contains natural soluble Pectin's, which keep the bile toxins in our body under control.

2). Keep your gut free of infections

It is a known agent for detoxing the complete body, thus keeping the gut free of infections. The laxative properties in it keep the large intestine well lubricated.

3). Fights Anaemia 

Further adding to its benefits, it aids in improving the blood flow in the body. Loaded with vitamin K, iron and folate it aids in preventing disease like anaemia.

4). Keep sugar levels in control

The high fiber content is considered a great option for diabetic patients as sugar released by this vegetable in our blood vessels is quite slow which helps to maintain sugar levels in the body. 

5). Prevents cancer

Compared to other vegetables it has higher levels of antioxidants which help in preventing diseases like cancer.

6). A natural immunity booster 

It is an additional source of essential vitamin C, which helps to boost immunity and is a highly recommended immunity modulator which keeps common infections at bay.

7). Helps in reducing weight

Since it has no cholesterol of its own, contains high levels of roughage and is highly relished and in fact it is among the most desired dishes amongst weight watchers. Keeps one satiated for a longer duration hence preventing unhealthy snacking.

8). Memory Booster

It contains phosphorus, Omega 3, Omega 6 fatty acids which boost memory and is an easy way of keeping one's memory sharp.

Difference between Bhindi and Okra

Both come from the same plant family and have two scientific names. It is known as Okra in Philippines and USA. In English it is known as Lady Finger. The US and Indian Okra is very much similar, only difference is that US Okra which is bit bigger in size compared to its Indian counterpart.

Which Recipes Can We Add To?

There are numerous recipes which use it to add additional flavor to the dish. You can add it to Sambar, prepare vegetables like bhindi do pyaza, Achari bhindi, the list is quite long.

Where can it Grow?

It grows in tropical as well as subtropical regions. It requires warm climate for ideal growth. The ideal temperature to grow it is around 25 - 26 degrees. One can even grow in their backyard during rainy seasons and get a good yield.

How to do quality check while buying?

To pick good quality from the market one has to keep some important points in mind, some of them are that the vegetable should be medium sized, have a sheen, be spotless, soft, tender and bright green. 

Ingredients (serve - 4pax)

250 gm medium size tender Bhindi/ Okra

2 tbsp besan

Pinch of hing

1 tsp dhania powder

1 tsp chaat masala

1 tsp saunf/fennel

1/2 tsp jeera powder

1/2 tsp amchur powder

2/4 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp salt or to taste

1/8 tsp red chili powder or to taste

Step By Step (photo wise)

Step1

Thoroughly wash and completely dry the bhindi before cutting and cooking otherwise it becomes slimy and sticky. Cut off the head.

Step 2

 Slit lengthwise only 3/4th so that it does not cut or break into two parts. Same with the green chilies' have used only two. You can use as many as you like.

Step 3

Take 2-3 tbsp mustard oil or any oil in a heavy bottomed pan and heat.

Step 4

Add only the bhindi and stir well.

Step 5

Cover and cook for 3-4 mins stirring in between.

Step 6

Remove the lid and add the masala mixture. Stir well till all the pieces of bhindi are well coated.

Step 7

Cook uncovered for another 5-7 mins till the masalas and bhindi are well roasted and nice brownish.

Step 8

The bhindi will not only be coated well with the masala, but seasoned inside also without you having to do the stuffing.

Step 9

Stuffed Bhindi is ready to be enjoyed.

Method 

1) Thoroughly wash and completely dry the okra before cutting and cooking otherwise it becomes slimy and sticky.

2) Cut off the head and slit lengthwise only 3/4th so that it does not cut or break into two parts.

3) Same with the green chillies….I have used only two you can use as many as you like.

4) Mix all the dry ingredients well.

5) Take 2-3 tbsp mustard oil or any oil in a heavy bottomed pan and heat.

6) Add only the bhindi stir well and cover and cook for 3-4 mins stirring in between.

7) Add 2 tbsp mustard oil.

8) Remove the lid and add the masala mixture.

9) Stir well till all the pieces of okra are well coated.

10) Cook uncovered for another 5-7 mins till the masalas and vegetables are well roasted and nice brownish.

11) This will not only be coated well with the masala but seasoned inside also without you having to do the stuffing.

Quick Steps(video)

Notes:

Okra and Bhindi have two separate scientific terms.
You can add or decrease chilies according to taste.
I have not fried Okra, to keep the recipe healthy. You fry them if you like.
Okra contains vitamins like A, B, C and K along with minerals like phosphorus, folate and iron.
It has high fiber content.
It helps to fight Anaemia.
You can use any vegetable oil to cook.