Crispy Kurkuri Bhindi with Cumin & Chaat Masala

Crispy Fried Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe Spiced with Cumin & Chaat Masala

This Crispy Fried Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe Spiced with Cumin & Chaat Masala is a delectable Indian snack that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The crispy okra, spiced with traditional Indian seasonings such as cumin, coriander, and the tangy kick of chaat masala, delivers an irresistible crunch that will have you coming back for more. Traditionally deep-fried, this snack can also double up as a side dish or accompaniment to a hearty meal. Enjoy these crispy delights alongside your favorite dishes or serve them as an appetizer for your next gathering.

Cuisine: Indian

Course: Side Dish

Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bhindi (Okra):
   Begin by washing the bhindi thoroughly and patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial to remove any excess moisture, as it helps achieve the crispy texture. Once dry, trim the edges and slice the bhindi vertically into thin strips. If the okra is long, cut it into two halves horizontally before slicing into strips.

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2. Coat the Bhindi:
   Place the sliced bhindi strips into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle over the coriander powder, red chilli powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, and asafoetida (hing). Add salt to taste, followed by the gram flour (besan) and rice flour. Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix the ingredients to ensure each piece of bhindi is evenly coated with the spice mixture.

   If the mixture feels too dry or doesn’t stick properly to the bhindi, you can add a few drops of water to help the flour and spices adhere. However, be careful not to add too much water to avoid making the mixture too sticky. Adjust the seasoning at this point and add more spice if needed.

3. Heat the Oil:
   Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep frying pan (kadai) or saucepan on medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for deep frying, but not smoking. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of the coated bhindi into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.

4. Fry the Bhindi:
   Add the coated bhindi to the hot oil in small batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan. Use a slotted spoon to stir the bhindi gently and separate any clumps of the okra to allow even frying. Fry the bhindi until they turn golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch, depending on the heat. You’ll know the bhindi is cooked when the oil bubbles start to subside.

5. Drain Excess Oil:
   Once the bhindi is crispy and golden brown, remove it from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with absorbent paper to soak up any excess oil.

6. Fry the Curry Leaves:
   In the same oil, add a few curry leaves and fry them for a few seconds until they are crisp. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

7. Serve:
   Transfer the crispy fried bhindi to a serving plate, and garnish with the crispy curry leaves. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the crunch. This crispy fried okra pairs wonderfully with Phulka (Indian flatbread) and Paneer Makhani for a complete meal. Alternatively, enjoy it as a snack with a cup of Masala Chai or Filter Coffee.

Tips for Perfect Kurkuri Bhindi:

• Dry the Bhindi Properly: Ensuring that the bhindi is completely dry before coating with the spices is essential to achieve a crispy texture. Wet bhindi will turn soggy when fried.
• Use Fresh Oil: Always fry in fresh oil, as old oil can affect the taste and texture of the bhindi.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the levels of red chilli powder, cumin powder, and chaat masala according to your spice preference.
• Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispiness, you can add a little more rice flour to the batter.

This Crispy Fried Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe Spiced with Cumin & Chaat Masala is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a delightful way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a fun and flavorful way. Perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a festive gathering, this crispy okra dish is sure to be a hit!