Stuffed Bhindi with Peanuts Recipe: A South Indian Delight
Stuffed Bhindi with Peanuts is a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish that combines the rich taste of okra with a blend of aromatic spices, roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds. This simple yet delicious dish hails from South India and makes for an ideal main course for lunch or dinner. The delicate flavors of the stuffing perfectly complement the tender, sautΓ©ed bhindi, creating a satisfying meal that can be served with flatbreads or rice.
Key Highlights of the Recipe:
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: Main Course
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy the warm, earthy flavors of Indian cuisine, particularly the balance of spices and textures. The addition of roasted peanuts and sesame seeds gives the dish an extra crunch and richness, elevating the simple okra to a gourmet delight.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 10 pieces |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece |
| Onion | 1, sliced |
| Tomatoes | 1/4 cup, pureed |
| Figaro Pure Olive Oil | For cooking |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 2 tablespoons, coarsely powdered |
| Sesame Seeds (Til Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Figaro Pure Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon (for sautΓ©ing) |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing
In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients for the filling:
- Roasted peanuts (coarsely powdered)
- Sesame seeds
- Coriander powder
- Garam masala powder
- Turmeric powder
- Red chilli powder
- Amchur (dry mango powder)
- Gram flour (besan)
- Sugar
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon of Figaro Pure Olive Oil
Mix all the ingredients well and set them aside. This mixture will serve as the flavorful stuffing for the bhindi (okra).
Step 2: Prep the Bhindi (Okra)
- Wash the bhindi thoroughly and dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel. This step is important to ensure that the okra does not become slimy during cooking.
- Slit each bhindi lengthwise, but do not cut them in half. Leave the ends intact so the bhindi can hold the stuffing without falling apart.
- Carefully stuff a small amount of the prepared filling mixture into each slit bhindi. Once filled, gently press the sides together to seal them. You can either keep the bhindi whole or cut them into halves, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Cook the Onion-Tomato Base
- Heat 1 teaspoon of Figaro Pure Olive Oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, ginger, and garlic. SautΓ© until they turn soft and golden brown.
- Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook until the tomatoes soften and release their natural juices.
- Stir in the salt, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder, and cook the mixture for a couple of minutes, then set it aside.
Step 4: Cook the Stuffed Bhindi
- In the same pan or a separate one, heat some more Figaro Pure Olive Oil over medium-low heat.
- Carefully add the stuffed bhindi to the pan, ensuring they are placed gently so that the stuffing doesnβt spill out.
- Cover the pan and allow the bhindi to cook for about 2 minutes, then uncover and stir gently to turn the bhindi around.
- Allow the bhindi to cook in the open until they become tender and their color changes from green to a pale green with roasted brown spots. The bhindi will shrink in size as they cook, indicating that they are done.
Step 5: Final Toss and Serve
- Once the bhindi is cooked to your desired tenderness, check the salt and spice levels. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Add the cooked onion-tomato mixture to the bhindi and toss gently to coat them with the flavors.
- Allow the bhindi and the tomato mixture to cook together for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that all the spices are well blended.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and transfer the stuffed bhindi to a serving platter.
- Garnish with freshly grated coconut and finely chopped coriander leaves for an added layer of freshness and flavor.
- Serve the Stuffed Bhindi with Peanuts along with Tawa Paratha or Kadhi for a wholesome meal. It also pairs wonderfully with Khamang Kakdi, a traditional cucumber salad.
Serving Suggestions
The Stuffed Bhindi with Peanuts makes a delightful main dish for lunch or dinner. Its spicy and tangy flavors are complemented by the crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds, making it a satisfying vegetarian choice. For a complete meal, pair it with Indian flatbreads such as Tawa Paratha, Chapati, or Naan, along with a refreshing yogurt-based Kadhi or Cucumber Salad.
This dish is not only packed with taste but also with health benefits. Okra is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, while the addition of peanuts and sesame seeds provides a dose of protein and healthy fats. Whether youβre a fan of Indian cuisine or looking for a new way to enjoy vegetables, this stuffed bhindi recipe is sure to impress your taste buds!
Tips:
- Be sure to dry the bhindi completely before slitting them, as excess moisture can make them slimy during cooking.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped green chilies to the stuffing mix.
- If you prefer a more crispy texture for the bhindi, you can shallow fry the stuffed bhindi before adding them to the onion-tomato base.
- You can also add a little bit of garam masala and fresh lemon juice just before serving to enhance the flavor.
Enjoy your meal with the delicious and wholesome Stuffed Bhindi with Peanuts!
