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    Home » Stove Top Recipes

    Indian Spiced Stuffed Okra | Bharwa Bhindi

    Published: Dec 4, 2019 · Modified: May 8, 2021 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 23 Comments

    388 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Indian Spiced Stuffed Okra is a lip-smacking entree dish, with a dramatic combination of spices and ground peanuts filled delicately into fresh slit okra. Cooked to a delightful crispness and garnished with chopped cilantro, this dish is best served with hot rotis or parathas.

    Stuffed Okra never fails to be a mealtime pleaser, and your family will love you for serving this up. With a little initial prep, this dish will be ready in under 15 minutes, just as you are setting up your dinner table.

    Stuffed okra in a white bowl with roti's on the side

    Visually brilliant and incredibly high on flavors, this is my favorite version of the very versatile okra or bhindi as we call it in India. Okra is one of the most loved vegetables and amongst all the popular Indian okra recipes, stuffed or Bharwa bhindi and Bhindi masala top the list. Other popular okra entree dishes are Dahi Bhindi (pan-fried okra in a creamy yogurt gravy), Tawa Bhindi (sautéed okra with onions and tomatoes), and Kurkuri Bhindi (crisp fried spiced okra). Watch this space for more okra recipes in the coming months.

    Benefits of eating okra

    Okra is simply delicious, and also has a plethora of health benefits. This nutrient-rich vegetable is packed with Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. Vitamin C reduces the risk of heart disease, while potassium helps build muscle and break down carbs into energy. 

    Traversing through India, you will find a variety of mouth-watering recipes to make the bharwa bhindi alone. Here is my version of the Maharashtrian Stuffed Okra, and my boys claim this is the best of all 🙂

    Stuffed okra in a frying pan with roti's on the side

    Tips to cook the perfect okra

    1. Wash the okra first, and then dry them really well before you start cutting them. 
    2. Use a clean dry cutting board and knife. If you notice the knife getting sticky, clean with a kitchen towel.
    3. If the okra is long, cut it into half after making the vertical slits. This makes it easy to sauté, and also easier for kids to scoop up with fresh rotis in every bite.  
    4. Add the stuffed okra pieces to the pan, sauté slightly and allow to cook over low heat. Do not over-stir, as stirring frequently may make the dish sticky. Note: A non-stick frying pan works really well for this recipe.
    5. Cover the pan while cooking, as this will speed up the cooking time. However, for sliced okra recipes I recommend cooking uncovered.

    Instructions

    Step by step recipe for Indian Spiced Stuffed Okra:

    Step 1: Wash and dry the okra completely. Tip - always use a dry cutting board and knife.

    Raw okra next to a white bowl with spices
    Okra with stuffing ingredients

    Step 2: Cut the top and bottom off

    Okra with tops cut

    Step 3: Make a vertical slit on each okra, taking care not to split them in half. If the okra is long, cut it into half after making the vertical slits.

    photos showing how to prepare okra

    Step 4: Make the stuffing by mixing coarsely ground peanuts, red chili powder, turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, chopped fresh cilantro, and salt. Fill the stuffing in the okra slit carefully making sure not to split them in half.

    steps showing how to stuff okra

    Step 5: After stuffing all the okra, add oil in a non-stick pan on medium heat. Save any leftover stuffing to the side. Add the stuffed okra to the pan and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes stirring gently a couple of times. Sprinkle leftover stuffing on the cooked okra and stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes.

    okra in a frying an

    Serve with hot rotis, parathas or my favorite way to enjoy it is with kadhi & khichdi.

    cooked okra in a frying pan

    If you love Indian curries and stir-fries, do checkout these delicious recipes:

    • Stuffed eggplant - Curried eggplant with onion and spices
    • Instant Pot stuffed eggplant - Easy version of a traditional stuffed eggplant
    • Tindora Fry - Tendli stir-fried with cashews and coconut
    • Aloo Gobi - Stir-fried cauliflower and potato curry

    ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    Stuffed okra in a frying pan
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    5 from 8 votes

    Stuffed Okra

    Okra stuffed with ground peanuts, turmeric and red chili powder and pan fried over medium heat for a crispy flavor-bursting side dish to enjoy with fluffy roti's.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 143kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound fresh okra
    • 3 tablespoons coarsely ground roasted peanuts
    • 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
    • ½ tablespoon ground cumin
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon cooking oil

    Instructions

    • Wash and dry the okra. Cut the top and bottom off. Make a vertical slit on each okra, taking care not to split them in half.
    • Make the stuffing by mixing ground peanuts, red chili powder, ground cumin ground coriander, turmeric, cilantro and salt.
    • Fill the stuffing in the okra slit carefully making sure not to split them in half.
    • Once all the okras are stuffed, add oil in a pan over medium heat. Save any leftover stuffing to the side.
    • Add the stuffed okra to the pan and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes stirring gently a couple of times. If there is any leftover stuffing sprinkle it over the cooked okras and give it a gentle stir cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. Enjoy hot!

    Video

    Notes

    Pro Tips: 
    • Use Fresh Okra for this recipe instead of frozen
    • Dry the okra really well before cutting
    • Use a dry cutting board and knife
    • Cook uncovered
    • Do not over stir while cooking

    Nutrition

    Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 625mg | Potassium: 486mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1500IU | Vitamin C: 29.2mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

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    ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Parul Singhal says

      February 18, 2016 at 7:01 pm

      I love bhindi....

      Reply
    2. Freda @ Aromatic essence says

      February 19, 2016 at 2:12 am

      yumm! Love okra in any form 😀

      Reply
    3. Love Served Daily says

      February 19, 2016 at 9:31 pm

      Yummy

      Reply
    4. Indu says

      March 14, 2016 at 7:58 pm

      It came out delicious! Plus, it was super easy to make. Thanks Archana!

      Reply
    5. Rashminotes says

      August 02, 2016 at 12:53 am

      will try this; thanks for sharing Archana!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        August 02, 2016 at 10:01 am

        Thank you! Please let me know how you like them.

        Reply
    6. Aparna says

      February 28, 2017 at 5:30 pm

      Hi Archana,
      Tried this recipe, it is yummy, added a little amchur powder to the stuffing. I like the slight sour taste.

      Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 28, 2017 at 5:49 pm

        Hi Aparna, Thank you so much for your feedback. What a great idea to add amchur for a nice tangy flavor to the dish.

        Reply
    7. Wagner says

      November 20, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      Can this dish be roasted in the oven?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 21, 2019 at 12:33 pm

        yes!

        Reply
    8. Claire says

      January 11, 2020 at 9:25 pm

      Wonderful dish! Big thumbs up from my husband! I’ve had the best time exploring your blog, drooling over the photographs, and then trying your recipes in my kitchen. I visited my local Indian grocery store for the first time this week and found lot of new-to-me things I want to try. Thank you for the inspiration!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 11, 2020 at 9:42 pm

        Thank you so much Claire! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe. I will be sharing Bhindi Masala recipe soon.

        Reply
    9. Ritu Bhutda says

      July 08, 2020 at 9:22 am

      Tried it and love it. Thank you so much.
      Love the pan you have used. Can you please share the details

      Reply
      • Archana says

        July 08, 2020 at 12:19 pm

        Thank you! I will link the pan with a coupon code in this recipe 🙂

        Reply
    10. Lavi says

      August 04, 2020 at 4:51 pm

      Awesome recipe...have to try it! May I know which oil brand ou have used in this video? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        August 08, 2020 at 9:45 am

        I use avocado oil from costco

        Reply
    11. Vijaya says

      September 06, 2020 at 11:47 pm

      Awesome recipe!5 stars

      Reply
    12. Cheryl says

      January 20, 2021 at 3:54 am

      Wondering how much you can prep in advance - can I wash/dry and cut okra 1 day in advance of cooking or do it all same day?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 20, 2021 at 10:14 pm

        Yes, totally wash, dry and cut a day in advance.

        Reply
    13. lalitha says

      January 25, 2021 at 4:13 pm

      Good recipe....will try it out. Can you please share the pan details and if any coupon code?5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 27, 2021 at 10:42 am

        Thank you! Pan is from Mealthy but has been discontinued.

        Reply
    14. Prema says

      May 21, 2022 at 10:47 am

      Made this for the first time for dinner yesterday, it was amazing!!! The key is to wash and dry the okra really well. I washed the okra then wrapped it in a couple of kitchen towels to dry really well. This will be an absolute go to in my rotation! We enjoyed them with your recipe for paneer tikka masala (also amazing and so delicious!) and fresh phulkas. A meal fit for royalty, thanks so much for sharing your delicious recipes!!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        May 23, 2022 at 6:40 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed it Prema! This is my childhood favorite recipe!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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