By Shireen Jamooji
Okra or Bhindi, is often looked at with disgust in India. But across the world, the vegetable is celebrated for its unique taste and texture. Here are 10 dishes from around the globe to help you see bhindi in a new light.
Tender okra slices coated in seasoned cornmeal and deep-fried until crispy, creating a popular snack or side dish in the South of the USA.
A flavourful stew of okra, meat, onions, and tomatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices like paprika and cumin, served with rice or bread.
A hearty and nutritious soup made with okra, meat or seafood, palm oil, and various vegetables, served with fufu or pounded yam.
A delicious Pakistani combination of okra and tender mutton cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy, served with rice or naan.
A mixed vegetable dish featuring okra, eggplant, bitter melon, and other vegetables, sautéed with shrimp paste and often enjoyed with steamed rice.
A tangy and refreshing Vietnamese soup made with tamarind, fish, tomatoes, and okra, providing a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours.
Brazilian okra sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices, creating a simple and tasty side dish commonly served with rice and beans.
Image Credits: mariaentrepanelas/Instagram
A traditional Japanese dish where okra is blanched and then served chilled, seasoned with soy sauce, dashi, and garnished with bonito flakes
Crispy fried okra coated with a spice mix, typically made with chickpea flour, turmeric, cumin, and other spices, creating a popular crunchy Indian snack.
A rich stew from Louisiana, USA, combining okra, seafood, and/or meats with a roux, vegetables, and flavourings like thyme, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper.