Bhindi Masala/Spiced Okra Air Fryer or Sheet Pan
My children love Bhindi or Okra. This is our family version of Bhindi Masala, with eight degrees of simplification. I just put everything in the air fryer basket in two stages. And then pull it out, sprinkle garam masala and its done. Just like that. Just like familiar comforting things bring us happiness, in the middle of the lock down, this simple okra has been making them happy. Enough, for me to cross the border to the somewhat further Indian store to procure the okra. And, let me tell you a secret, you can do this with broccoli, turnips, and or carrots. So, do not fret if you do not have okra on hand.
My Bhindi Masala Story
It feels strange to realize that a school year is drawing to an end. It has been a little hard for my daughter in her last but one high school year to realize that there is no real commencement. She wants to be able to celebrate those rites of passage with her outgoing friends. For me, I am excited about this headline from the Obamas on Graduate Together event.
I however, feel for the children, their families and anyone else who is missing their rituals. It is not always easy to brush off something that you have looked forward to for so long just in the spirit of “it could be worse”. As with everything, along with the gratitude it is important for us to also make room for acknowledging the loss and disappointment. Other variations of this recipe include light and lively Bhindi Masala or Bhindi Jhalferazi
And in our crazy household, next week promises to be entertaining as always. We have home exams, that we are supposed to proctor. It is less the proctor part, more the having to deal with the exam crazies so up close and personal. So, a lot of comfort food alert. Like this okra.
Why make this in an air-fryer or sheet pan.
Now, the great think about cooking this in either an air-fryer or sheet pan is this,
- It is ridiculously easy.
- You are guaranteed crisp results without much oil.
- And the cleaning is quite a breeze.
- See notes on frozen okra and the sheet pan method
If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group . Of course Instant Indian is a great idea to pick up,right with its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.
Do not forget to get social with me, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and even YouTube.
An air fried version of class Indian okra or Bhindi Masala
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds of okra, trimmed and chopped (3/4 cm thickness)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon red cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/4 cup onions, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Place the okra in a mixing bowl. Toss with the turmeric, cayenne, ginger, and garlic.
- Place in the air fryer basket and sprinkle with the oil.
- Cook at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and mix well.
- Add the onions and tomatoes and cook for another 4 minutes. Stir well and add in the salt.
- Place in a serving bowl and sprinkle with garam masala and cilantro and serve.
Notes
1. You may need to do the okra in two batches in your air-fryer.
Sheet Pan Oven Method
Scatter the okra on a sheet pan, and cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, then add in the onion and tomatoes and cook for another 6 minutes.
Using Frozen Okra
This is not ideal, but if you have to defrost thoroughly, and blot out any excess moisture with paper towels before proceeding.
Shuvo
These were amazing, I needed a quick addition to our movie night and these were perfect and gone within minutes. These are such great recipe, perfect for a quick addition to lunch or as a snack!
rinkub@aol.com
Thank you so much for trying these. My kids are very fond of this recipe.