From the recipe box

Bhindi Do Pyaza

Indian gravies, koftas, and saucy mains meant to pair with rice, roti, or phulkas.

Meal format
Curries & Gravies
Base
Jeera Rice, Roti
Vegetables

Bhindi (Okra), Onion, Tomato

Bhindi Do Pyaza plated and ready to serveFrom my kitchen

Cook this meal

Ingredients & method

Prep
20 mins
Cook
28 mins
Total
48 mins
Serves
2

Ingredients

  • 10–15bhindi (okra), washed and completely patted dry
  • 1medium onion, divided:
  • ½onion, cut into large cubes for roasting/air frying
  • ½onion, chopped for gravy
  • 2medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1–2 tablespoonsoil
  • 2–3garlic cloves
  • ½ inchginger
  • Optional for extra creaminess and protein:
  • ¼block tofu
  • 5–6cashews
  • 1 tablespoonchar magaz (melon seeds)

Tempering & Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoonoil
  • 1 teaspooncumin (jeera) seeds
  • 2cloves
  • 1small piece cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoonturmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoonred chili powder
  • 1 teaspooncoriander powder
  • 1 teaspoonkasuri methi
  • to tasteSalt

Notes & Tips

    • The biggest tip for great bhindi is to wash and dry it completely before cutting. Any extra moisture can make the okra slimy.
    • Air frying the bhindi makes this dish much easier and reduces the amount of oil needed, but stovetop sautéing works just as well.
    • Adding tofu while blending the gravy is a great way to increase protein while keeping the curry creamy.
    • Cashews and char magaz add a rich, restaurant-style texture if you want to make this dish extra special.
    • The name Bhindi Do Pyaza comes from the use of onions in two ways — some cooked with the bhindi and some incorporated into the gravy.

Step by step

Method

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bhindi

  2. 02

    Wash the bhindi thoroughly and pat them completely dry. This step is important because moisture can make bhindi slimy while cooking.

  3. 03

    Cut the bhindi into approximately 1-inch pieces.

  4. 04

    Toss the chopped bhindi and ½ cubed onion with about 1 tablespoon oil.

  5. 05

    Air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through with some salt, until the bhindi is lightly roasted and less slimy.

  6. 06

    Alternative:

  7. 07

    You can also sauté the bhindi and onion on the stovetop until cooked and lightly roasted.

  8. 08

    Prepare the Gravy

  9. 09

    In a pan, sauté the remaining chopped onion and tomatoes until soft and cooked down.

  10. 10

    Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

  11. 11

    Blend into a smooth gravy.

  12. 12

    Optional:

  13. 13

    For extra protein and creaminess, blend the onion-tomato mixture with tofu.

  14. 14

    You can also add cashews and char magaz while blending for a richer, creamier gravy.

  15. 15

    Assemble the Bhindi Do Pyaza

  16. 16

    Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

  17. 17

    Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.

  18. 18

    Add cloves and cinnamon and let them become fragrant.

  19. 19

    Add the blended gravy and cook until it thickens slightly and the flavors come together.

  20. 20

    Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.

  21. 21

    Add the air-fried bhindi and onion into the gravy.

  22. 22

    Mix gently and cook for a few minutes until the bhindi absorbs the flavors.

  23. 23

    Crush kasuri methi between your palms and add it at the end.

  24. 24

    Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve hot.

  25. 25

    This Bhindi Do Pyaza is a simple, flavorful way to enjoy okra without deep frying. The roasted bhindi keeps its texture while the creamy onion-tomato gravy brings everything together.

  26. 26

    It pairs beautifully with roti or chapati.