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Summer is here and people are demanding some light and flavourful dishes that will keep them going through the scorching heat. Summer season witnesses a lot of seasonal produce and among them is bhindi. Also known as okra or lady’s finger, this is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that holds a special place in Indian cuisine.
There are two kinds of people – one who loves bhindi and another who cannot even stand its slight. Bhindi has slender green pods and a distinctive ridged texture and is prized for its mild flavour and unique mucilaginous texture when cooked. Bhindi is rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that not only satisfy the palate but also provide various health benefits. You are among either group of people, you’ll like the bhindi dishes that are made in India.
Try out some of the delicious yet light bhindi dishes that are perfect for the summer season.
- Bhindi Masala
This is the classic favourite of most people that have never failed to keep its standard high. Bhindi masala is a flavourful and aromatic dish perfect for the summer months. To prepare this dish, saute sliced bhindi with onions, tomatoes, and a whole lot of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric until tender and golden brown. Garnish the dish with coriander leaves and pair it with rice or roti for a wholesome meal.
- Bharwa Bhindi
Stuffed or bharwa bhindi will elevate your okra game to a new height. This dish is bursting with flavours and textures and stands out as the summer favourite. Make a filling with spices, gram flour, and grated coconut. Then stuff the filling inside the slit bhindi and shallow fry them until crispy and golden brown. The marriage of crunchy bhindi and savoury filling tantalises the taste buds.
- Bhindi Raita
Twist your traditional raita with bhindi raita which is the perfect accompaniment to spicy summer meals. To prepare this, saute sliced bhindi until crispy and mix it with thick yoghurt, along with chopped onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. Serve it chilled as a side to your favourite biryani or pulao, providing a burst of freshness.
- Bhindi Fry
Simple yet satisfying, bhindi fry is a quick and easy dish for busy summer days. All you need to do is coat sliced okra with a mixture of besan, rice flour, and spices like chilli powder and turmeric. Then shallow try the coated bhindi until crispy and golden. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Bhindi Do Pyaza
As the name suggests, this dish features double the onion for extra sweetness and flavour. Bhindi Do Pyaza is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for summer lunch. You can saute the sliced onions until caramalised and then add sliced bhindi to it and cook until tender. After the dish is ready, add tempered onion cubes along with a sprinkle of garam masala and fresh coriander leaves.
- Bhindi Kadhi
This is a tangy and delicious recipe that is perfect to beat the heat of the summer months. Make a tangy yoghurt-based gravy with besan and spices like fenugreek seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves and add in the sliced bhindi and simmer until tender. Serve hot with steamed rice for a wholesome meal.
- Bhindi Salad
Opt for a light and refreshing summer salad made of bhindi. This salad combines crispy bhindi, vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Saute the sliced bhindu until crispy and then toss in some diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs like mint and coriander. Drizzle some lemon juice and chilly oil and serve chilled for a refreshing and nutritious salad option.
