Malvani Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe (Groundnut Lady Finger Vegetable)
The Malvani Kurkuri Bhindi, or Groundnut Lady Finger Vegetable, is a delightful dish from the coastal region of Maharashtra, India, known for its aromatic spices and crispy texture. This dish features ladyfinger (okra) sautéed with a medley of roasted spices and crushed peanuts, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice and dal for a comforting weeknight dinner. The blend of spices is typical of Malvani cuisine, which infuses the dish with bold and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 500 grams, washed and cut into small pieces |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/4 cup, roasted and crushed |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Red Chilli | 2, broken into halves |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nagkesar (Cassia Buds) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 small stick |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3, whole |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Stone Flower (Mahalakshmi) | 1 small piece |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 1 |
Preparation Time
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time
- 20 minutes
Total Time
- 30 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings
Cuisine
- Malvani
Course
- Dinner
Diet
- Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Malvani Masala
Begin by making the Malvani masala. Take a small pan and dry roast the following ingredients over low heat: coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds, ajwain, black peppercorns, nutmeg powder, cassia buds, asafoetida, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, stone flower, and black cardamom. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once the spices are aromatic and roasted, allow them to cool down completely. Once cooled, grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a hand blender or spice grinder. Set this powder aside. -
-
Roast the Peanuts
In the same pan, dry roast the peanuts on low heat. Stir occasionally until the peanuts are crisp and golden. Once cooled, roughly pound the peanuts using a mortar and pestle to crush them coarsely. Set aside. -
Cooking the Bhindi (Lady Finger)
Heat sunflower oil in a wide pan over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, add the cut bhindi (okra) and sauté for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the bhindi to cook halfway through. At this stage, the bhindi should be non-sticky and beginning to soften. Continue to sauté until the bhindi becomes crispy. -
Adding the Malvani Masala
Once the bhindi is nearly cooked, add the freshly prepared Malvani masala to the pan. Sprinkle salt to taste and mix everything together. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the bhindi is well coated with the aromatic spices and turns crispy. -
Add the Crushed Peanuts
Switch off the flame and immediately add the crushed roasted peanuts into the bhindi mixture. Gently mix to combine, allowing the peanuts to add a crunchy texture to the dish. -
Serving
Serve the Malvani Kurkuri Bhindi hot with steamed rice and a side of Dal Tadka for a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of crispy okra and the rich, spicy Malvani masala will surely elevate your dinner experience.
Tips for Best Results:
- Make sure to roast the spices and peanuts on low heat to prevent burning. The spices should be roasted gently to bring out their full flavor without becoming bitter.
- If you prefer your bhindi to be extra crispy, you can shallow fry the bhindi in oil before adding the masala.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. You can add more red chili or ground pepper for extra heat.
- The crushed peanuts add a delightful crunch and richness to the dish, so don’t skip this step!
This Malvani Kurkuri Bhindi, with its unique blend of spices and the crunch of ground peanuts, is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or as a part of a festive meal, it is guaranteed to bring vibrant flavors to your plate!
