Mar 5, 2014

Bhindi Raita ~ ( Spiced Okra in Yogurt)

Recently I have come across Bhindi Raita recipe in blog world several times. Until I have seen this it never occurred to me that Bhindi Raita can happen. As the Bhindi ( Okra or Ladies Finger) is slimy by nature, i couldn't imagine it getting paired with Yogurt. But at the same time, it sure sounded challenging to me and I wanted to give it a try to taste this new Flavor. Usually I don't get Bhindi that much as the processing is heavy to remove the slimness in order to perfect the Stir-Fry. But recently i have acquired new Tramontina non-stick Stir-Fry pans ( 3 set, $24.99 at Costco), and that made the frying Okra job easier. I just love these pans, noting sticks to this Pan at all ( including, Okra, Tindora, Potato or Brinjal).  It takes less oil to stir fry anything and cooks very evenly making the stir-frys happen quicker than usual. So, coming back to our recipe, the Bhindi will be stir-fried generously with spices and mixed in yogurt at the end. You can eat immediately or leave it for 3 hours to get marinated to enhance the flavor. Overall I have loved experimenting with this new flavor and now it's added to my Raita Recipes collection and sure will happen often in my kitchen from now-on-wards. Here is the recipe, Njoy!



Ingredients: 
Bhindi (Okra) - 1/2 lb
Onion - 2 Tbsp ( chopped)
Dry Red Chili - 2
Urad Dal - 1 tsp
Chana Dal - 1 Tbsp
Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
Turmeric - 1/2 tsp
Curry Leaves - 10
salt - 1 tsp
Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp
Corainder Powder - 1/4 tsp
Oil - 1 Tbsp
Yogurt( or Curd ) - 1 Cup

Preparatory Steps:

  • Wash the Bhindi and wipe them with Cloth Towel firmly so that it is not wet. Trim the edges and chop them evenly in small pieces ( horizontal cut). Spread them in a wide platter and leave them on the counter top for 2 hours or leave them  in in-direct sunlight for 30 minutes ( near window or patio will work).
  • Take the yogurt in a medium bowl and whist together so that any lumps are removed and that should bring the creamy consistency for Curd ( yogurt).

Method:

  1. Heat Oil in the non-stick pan. Once the oil is hot, add Red Chili, followed by Chana Dal, Urad Dal, Cumin Seeds. Once the lentils are browned, add Mustard Seeds. As you notice the mustard seeds spluttering, then add turmeric powder and Curry Leaves. That makes our Taalimpu ( Tadka ) Done.
  2. Add chopped onion to the pan, Stir-fry on high and add coriander powder, then stir-fry on medium.
  3. Add dried Bhindi Pieces to the pan and keep the flame in medium. Stir fry it making sure the Bhindi pieces are not burning ( or sticking to bottom of the pan). Add 1 tsp salt and Red Chili Powder and keep on stiry frying, until the Bhindi Pieces are fully wilted, fried and simmered with all spices. Now Switch off the stove.
  4. Add this fried Bhindi to the Creamy Yogurt Bowl which is set aside. Mix the Bhindi in yogurt so that it fully covers with Yogurt. 
  5. Serve Immediately or leave it there for 1 hour to get the marination takes place which enhances the overall flavor of this Bhindi Raita. 


Pictorial:
Here is the trail of pictures that will walk you along with the process.
Add Bhindi Pieces to Tadka in the non-stick pan.

Stir-fry Bhindi with Spcies ( will take 7 to 10 min approx)

Add fried Bhindi to the Creamy Yogurt in the Bowl.

Mix it well so that Bhindi is dipped in Yogurt. 



Serve Immediately or Marinate for 1 hour and then Serve.  It tastes good with Rice or Roti and gives finishing touches to your light meal.


will be back with another challenging recipe,
take care until then!
-Mythreyi

5 comments:

  1. I have made bhindi raita before too but my stir-fry did not manage to get rid of the sliminess. Did you use fresh or frozen bhindi?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have used Fresh Bhindi (Okra). Make sure Okra is very tender. The one i got are from local farmers market and very fresh and tender. And also for the perfect stir-fry credit goes to my non-stick pan as mentioned in the post. Try these alternatives and let me know that yields any success for removing slimeness. Good Luck!

      Delete
  2. Sounds very nice.... will try soon!! thanks mythreyi!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Delicious and protein rich raita, our family favourite.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Raita looks tasty and yummy .....!!

    ReplyDelete

Hi,

Thanks for visiting Yum! Yum! Yum!. I really appreciate your time in dropping a note for me. Your comments are truly motivating and feedback allows me to improve more to bring the best.

Thanks
-Mythreyi

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