Maharashtrian Style Bharli Bhindi Recipe – Stuffed Bhindi With Coconut
Discover the delightful taste of Maharashtrian cuisine with this vibrant and flavorful Bharli Bhindi, where tender okra is generously stuffed with a fragrant coconut and peanut mixture. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, this dish serves as an excellent side for your favorite meals. Enjoy the vibrant colors and rich flavors that are sure to be a hit at your dining table!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 500 grams |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves – chopped | 8 sprigs |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Green Chilli | 1 |
| Fresh coconut | 4 tablespoons |
| Maharashtrian Goda Masala or Garam Masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 lemon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Instructions
To start off your culinary journey with this Maharashtrian Style Bharli Bhindi, begin by thoroughly washing the bhindi (okra) under cold water to remove any dirt and grit. After rinsing, carefully slit each lady finger in the middle, taking care not to cut all the way through, and remove the top ends, which will help create a pocket for the stuffing. Set these aside.
Next, it’s time to prepare the flavorful stuffing that will bring this dish to life. In a mixer, combine the roasted peanuts, green chili, garlic cloves, and chopped coriander leaves, blending them together to form a coarse paste. This mixture serves as the foundation of your stuffing and imparts a rich flavor profile.
Once your masala is ready, transfer it to a mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients for the stuffing. This includes fresh coconut, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and the special Maharashtrian Goda Masala or garam masala. To add a hint of acidity and balance the flavors, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Lastly, incorporate the sugar to round out the taste and season the mixture with salt to your liking. Blend everything together until well combined.
Now it’s time to stuff the prepared bhindi with your aromatic filling, ensuring that each lady finger is generously packed. It’s fine to have some leftover stuffing for later use or to serve alongside the dish.
In a medium saucepan, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter for about 2 seconds, releasing their essential oils and flavor into the oil. Carefully add the turmeric powder followed by the stuffed bhindis, gently sautéing them in the fragrant oil.
Cover the pan and let the bhindis cook for approximately 2 minutes. After this time, lift the lid and sprinkle a little salt and water over the okra. Add any remaining stuffing you set aside earlier and continue to sauté everything together for an additional 2 minutes. Finally, cover the pan once more and reduce the heat to low, allowing the bhindis to simmer gently for another 2 minutes, or until they are tender and fully cooked.
Once your Bharli Bhindi is perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve! This vibrant dish pairs beautifully with Tawa Paratha, Smoked Dal Makhani, and Boondi Raita, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal that is perfect for your everyday dinner.
Enjoy your culinary creation!
As you savor each bite of this Maharashtrian Style Bharli Bhindi, relish the rich blend of flavors and the delightful textures that this dish offers. It’s a beautiful representation of the warmth and hospitality that Maharashtrian cuisine is known for. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger feast, this stuffed bhindi will surely leave a lasting impression on you and your loved ones.
