Aloo Bhindi Masala Gravy Recipe
An Irresistible North Indian Delight with Potatoes and Okra in a Flavorful Gravy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra), cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces | 250 grams |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Potato (Aloo), peeled and cut into wedges | 2 |
| Asafoetida (Hing), a pinch | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 6 cloves |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1-inch piece |
| Tomatoes, pureed | 1 cup |
| Cinnamon stick | 1-inch piece |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | As required |
| Sunflower oil | As required |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves (Dhania) | A few sprigs, for garnish |
Instructions
Step 1: Pan-Frying the Bhindi (Okra)
- Begin by heating a little sunflower oil in a preheated pan.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida and sauté briefly before adding the bhindi (okra).
- Season with salt to taste, and sauté for a minute.
- Cover the pan with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar using a ladle. This ensures the bhindi cooks evenly without becoming soggy.
- Stir occasionally and cook the bhindi until it becomes tender and crisp. Once done, remove the bhindi from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Roasting the Potatoes
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon mustard oil.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in the cumin seeds, 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder. Sauté briefly until aromatic.
- Add the potato wedges and salt to taste. Sauté for a minute to coat the potatoes evenly in the spices.
- Cover the pan and cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown. Once done, remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Gravy
- In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon mustard oil.
- Add 1 finely chopped onion, 6 chopped garlic cloves, and 1-inch piece of chopped ginger. Sauté until the onions soften and turn golden brown in color.
- Once the onions are cooked, add the 1-inch cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf, 1 cup tomato puree, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and salt to taste.
- Let the mixture come to a brisk boil, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combining the Potatoes, Bhindi, and Gravy
- After 3-4 minutes, add the roasted potatoes and fried bhindi into the simmering gravy.
- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and let it cook together on low heat for an additional 3-4 minutes. This allows the potatoes and bhindi to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), and cook for another minute.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Turn off the heat and transfer the Aloo Bhindi Masala Gravy to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with a handful of fresh coriander leaves for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Aloo Bhindi Masala Gravy with hot phulka (Indian flatbread), a side of Lasooni Dal, and a refreshing Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional breakdown can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used, this dish is a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants due to the combination of bhindi, potatoes, and aromatic spices. It is also low in fat, especially when cooked with moderate amounts of oil, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious and delicious vegetarian meal.
This Aloo Bhindi Masala Gravy is a delightful blend of flavors, with crisp okra, tender potatoes, and a vibrant, spicy gravy. It is perfect for lunch or dinner, and it brings the authentic taste of North India to your table.
