Shahi Bhindi in Cashew Nut Gravy – A Rich Okra Curry
Shahi Bhindi in Cashew Nut Gravy is an indulgent North Indian dish that transforms the humble okra into a royal delicacy. With a rich, aromatic cashew nut gravy, this dish is perfect for a festive occasion or a weekend gathering with loved ones. The blend of spices and fresh cream adds a luxurious depth to the tender okra, making it a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Lady Finger/Okra) | 300 grams (cut into 1-inch pieces) |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (roughly chopped) | 1 medium |
| Cashew Nuts | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 4 cloves (minced) |
| Ginger | 1 teaspoon (grated) |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Green Chillies | 1 (slit) |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Okra (Bhindi): Start by washing and cutting the bhindi into 1-inch pieces. Set aside. Heat a teaspoon of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them crackle.
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Spices & Aromatics: Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the pan. Stir for a few seconds to release their flavors. Now, add the chopped onions, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions turn soft and pink.
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Adding Nuts and Tomatoes: Add the cashew nuts and green chillies. Sauté for another minute, allowing the nuts to slightly toast. Now, add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes soften, lose their raw smell, and the spices release a roasted aroma.
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Grind the Spices: Once the tomato and onion mixture has softened, turn off the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes before grinding it into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor.
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Cooking the Bhindi: In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the chopped bhindi, sprinkle with a little salt, and sauté on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the bhindi cooks through but doesn’t burn. The goal is to roast them lightly, so they remain tender. Once done, transfer the bhindi to a separate bowl.
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Prepare the Gravy: Using the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil. Add the ground shahi masala paste, followed by red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala powder. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, allowing the spices to blend and cook thoroughly.
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Combine the Bhindi: Add the sautéed bhindi back into the pan with the masala. Stir gently to coat the bhindi evenly with the spice mixture. Add a bit of warm water to adjust the consistency of the gravy as per your preference.
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Finishing Touches: Bring the dish to a brisk boil and cook for 2–3 minutes. Finally, add the fresh cream and kasuri methi. Stir well and cook for another minute before turning off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
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Serving: Serve this rich and aromatic Shahi Bhindi in Cashew Nut Gravy with soft Parathas, Butter Naan, Jeera Rice, or even a bowl of Sindhi Kadhi for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s the perfect dish for a weekend party or a cozy family dinner.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Boost: For a more intense flavor, you can add a bit of cream while sautéing the onion-tomato-cashew paste.
- Texture: To avoid overcooking the bhindi, sauté it until slightly tender, keeping it intact and not mushy.
- Vegan Option: Replace the cream with coconut milk for a vegan version of this rich gravy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
This Shahi Bhindi in Cashew Nut Gravy is not just a treat for the tastebuds but also a dish that showcases the richness of North Indian flavors. The addition of cashews and cream makes this dish creamy, flavorful, and indulgent, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal with family.
