Summer is just the time when many vegetables become available at their best, and Bhindi is just one of them. Also known as lady’s finger and okra, Bhindi is widely used across India to create numerous dishes. The most popular, however, is the trio of Bhindi Fry, Bhindi Masala and Kurkuri Bhindi. But if you are bored with these three dishes and wish to cook up something new with Bhindi this summer, then there are more options you can explore.
You may ask why eat Bhindi at all? After all, the vegetable can easily turn slimy and many people don’t like its taste either. Yet, Bhindi is a great source of dietary fibre, plant proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. So, whether you are on a weight loss diet or want to get your cholesterol or blood sugar in control, Bhindi is a great option for you. Plus, if you explore more recipes from around India, you might actually love the taste of a new Bhindi dish.
Wondering what these Bhindi dishes from all the regions of India are? Here are eight that you could try out this summer.
Video credit: YouTube/Nishamadhulika
Bhindi Tarua
Originating in the Bhojpur region of Bihar, this spicy Bhindi dish is a great variation of the regular Bhindi Fry. All you have to do is slit the Bhindi from the broad end, but not all the way through. A lot of spices are then slathered on to the Bhindi, which is then fried in vegetable oil until cooked. Many people add a tempering of cumin to the oil before adding the Bhindi, and some add a splash of water to help the cooking along.
Shorshe Dharosh
In Bengali, Bhindi is called Dharosh and mustard is called Shorshe. So, this dish is simply Bhindi cooked in a mustard gravy. The gravy for Shorshe Dharosh, however, is not excessive or super-runny. Simply spiced and absolutely yummy, this one is a delicious summer dish that can be eaten with both rice and chapatis.
Vendakkai Sambhar
A sambhar made with Bhindi? Yes, please! Originating in Tamil Nadu, this variation of sambhar is so summery delicious that try it once and you will want to have this Vendakkai Sambhar again and again. In Tamil, Vendakkai refers to Bhindi, and this simple yet wholesome dish is also packed with toor dal and plenty of rehydrating elements—all the things you basically need during peak summers.
Bharwa Bhindi
Of all vegetables that are stuffed with spices and cooked up into royal dishes, Bharwa Bhindi is definitely among the best. In North India, Bharwa Bhindi is usually made with a stuffing of spices and gram flour, but in Goa, Bhindi is actually stuffed with prawns and Racheado spices to create a non-vegetarian version of the dish. So, don’t just stick to the North Indian version, and explore more Bharwa Bhindi varieties this summer.
Dahi Bhindi
Everybody knows that having curd in summer is very beneficial for digestion and immunity. So, Dahi Bhindi—that brilliant combination of curd and Bhindi—is doubly perfect for summers! The Bhindi for this one are fried and then added to a curd-based, mildly spiced gravy that is both soothing and delicious.
Bendakaya Pulusu
Originating in Andhra Pradesh, this Bhindi recipe is mild, soothing and absolutely lip-smackingly delicious. In Telugu, Bhindi is called Bendakaya, and Pulusu is basically a tamarind-based gravy in which many vegetables are cooked. So, Bendakaya Pulusu is a slightly spicy, slightly sour, savoury dish of Bhindi that is cooked with an onion-tomato gravy that is flavoured with tamarind.
Bhindi Do Pyaza
Who doesn’t love Mughlai food, especially when a non-vegetarian dish is turned into a vegetarian favourite? Bhindi Do Pyaza is one such dish. A rage on the internet right now, Bhindi Do Pyaza is characterized by the fact that the onions are added twice in the dish, once in the beginning and once right around the end.
Bhindi Raita
If you haven’t tried this side dish yet, then you don’t know what you are missing. Bhindi Raita makes for a great variation on the regular Raita recipes, and is the perfect dish for summers. All you need to do is fry some chopped Bhindi and add them to a bowl of curd with minimal spices, mix and serve! Easy, right? Yes, it is and you should try this recipe today itself.