Bharwan Bhindi: A Spiced & Flavourful Okra Delight

Name: How to Make Bharwan Bhindi: A Spiced & Flavourful Okra Delight | Easy & Delicious Bharwan Bhindi: A Spiced & Flavourful Okra Delight Recipe
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: north-indian

Bharwan Bhindi is a North Indian dish where okra (bhindi) is slit and stuffed with a spiced masala blend of gram flour and aromatic spices, then shallow-fried until tender and flavourful. It’s a delicious side dish that pairs well with roti, paratha, or dal-rice.

prep time 15 Mins

cook time 20 Mins

chef Ankita Singh

Bhindi (okra/ladies’ finger) is a widely loved Indian vegetable, and this stuffed version transforms it into a restaurant-style treat. In Bharwan Bhindi, fresh okra is slit lengthwise and stuffed with a dry masala made of besan (gram flour), coriander powder, cumin, amchur (dry mango powder), and garam masala. The stuffed bhindis are then shallow-cooked until soft, slightly crisp, and infused with spices.

The dish is mildly tangy, earthy, and aromatic, with a perfect balance of flavours from the stuffing. Unlike regular bhindi fry, this version feels rich and special, often served for family meals, festive spreads, or when guests visit.

Bharwan Bhindi is also versatile — you can make a dry version for roti/paratha or add a tomato-onion base for a semi-gravy dish. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and wholesome.

Step 1

Prepare bhindi
Wash and pat dry bhindi completely (moisture causes stickiness). Slit each bhindi lengthwise without cutting through.

Step 2

Make stuffing
In a bowl, mix besan, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, amchur, fennel powder, salt, and 1 tsp oil. Mix well to form a crumbly masala.

Step 3

Stuff bhindi
Fill each slit bhindi with the masala mixture using a small spoon or fingers.

Step 4

Cook bhindi
Heat 3 tbsp oil in a wide pan. Arrange stuffed bhindis in a single layer. Cook on medium flame, turning gently every few minutes until bhindi is tender and slightly crisp (about 15 minutes).