Dahi Bhindi (Yogurt Ladyfinger) Recipe
Indian Vegetarian Delight
Dahi Bhindi, or yogurt ladyfinger, is a mouthwatering North Indian dish made with perfectly roasted ladyfinger (bhindi), cooked in a rich and creamy yogurt-based gravy. This dish combines the earthy flavors of bhindi with the tangy, smooth texture of yogurt, creating a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal. Best served with hot phulkas (Indian flatbread) and a refreshing kachumbar salad, Dahi Bhindi is a perfect dish for a light yet filling lunch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (ladyfinger, cut into 1-inch pieces) | 200 grams |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
| Fresh Ginger (grated) | 1-inch piece |
| Thick Plain Yogurt | 1 cup |
| Gram Flour (besan) | 2 tablespoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Caramelized Onion (optional) | 1 cup |
| Cooking Oil | For frying |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Kashmiri Red Chilies | 2 whole |
| Fresh Coriander (finely chopped) | For garnish |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Roasting the Bhindi (Ladyfinger)
To begin, we’ll roast the ladyfinger (bhindi). Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large frying pan. Add the finely chopped onion and the sliced bhindi (ladyfinger) to the pan. Add a pinch of salt and cover the pan. Let the bhindi cook on a low flame for about 10 minutes. This helps the ladyfinger release some water, which assists in cooking. After the bhindi has softened, remove the lid and continue cooking on low heat for a few more minutes until the bhindi is lightly browned and no longer sticky.
Step 2: Add Gram Flour to Reduce Stickiness
Once the bhindi is cooked to a tender consistency, add a little more oil to the pan. Sprinkle the gram flour (besan) over the bhindi and stir gently to mix it well. This step helps in reducing the stickiness of the bhindi and adds a nice texture to the dish. Set the cooked bhindi aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Yogurt Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of thick yogurt, 2 tablespoons of gram flour, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Add ½ cup of water to the mixture and continue whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Cooking the Yogurt Mixture
Pour the yogurt mixture into a pan and cook it on low heat. Stir constantly to prevent the yogurt from curdling. Keep cooking until the yogurt thickens and turns creamy. Be careful not to let the yogurt boil vigorously, as it might split. Once it has reached a creamy consistency, add the roasted bhindi to the yogurt gravy and stir gently. Let it simmer for a few more minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or spices as needed. Once the bhindi is well-coated in the creamy yogurt gravy, remove the pan from heat.
Step 6: Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)
In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the cumin seeds and dry Kashmiri red chilies. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until the spices release their fragrance. Pour this tempering over the cooked dahi bhindi. If you prefer, you can also top the dish with caramelized onions for added flavor and sweetness. Garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Step 7: Serving
Serve your delicious Dahi Bhindi hot with freshly made phulkas or rotis. You can also pair it with a refreshing kachumbar salad for a balanced meal.
Tips for Perfect Dahi Bhindi
- Frying the Bhindi: Make sure to cook the bhindi on low heat to allow it to cook through without getting soggy. Avoid stirring the bhindi too often while cooking to keep it intact.
- Yogurt Consistency: Always use thick yogurt for this recipe. If the yogurt is too runny, strain it to remove excess whey before using it in the gravy.
- Tempering: The ghee tempering adds a rich flavor to the dish. If you’re looking for a vegan version, you can substitute ghee with oil.
- Caramelized Onions: Adding caramelized onions as a garnish gives the dish a sweet contrast to the tanginess of the yogurt.
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful Dahi Bhindi, which brings together the goodness of vegetables and yogurt in a single dish. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of ladyfinger with the richness of Indian spices and yogurt. Perfect for a family lunch or a weekend feast!
