• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

VegKitchen logo

  • Vegan Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Baking and Sweets
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Pasta and Noodles
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches and Wraps
    • Sauces, Dressings, and Condiments
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups, Stews, and Chilis
    • Snacks and Dips
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Canning and Preserving
    • Cheese-y Delights
    • Global Recipes
    • Raw Vegan
    • Slow-Cooker
  • Vegan Living
    • Vegan Substitutions Guide
    • Green Kitchen
    • Healthy Eating Tips
    • Food and Produce Guides
    • Vegan Food Hacks
    • Kid Friendly
    • Vegan Product Reviews
    • More Vegan Living
  • About
  • Shop Cookbooks
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Vegan Living
  • Cookbooks
  • About Us
  • Freebie!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegan Living
    • Cookbooks
    • About Us
    • Freebie!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Vegan Indian Recipes

    Bhindi Masala (Okra Masala)

    Published: Jan 24, 2024 · Updated: Jan 24, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    okra masala
    okra masala
    okra masala

    Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Bhindi Masala - a classic Indian dish that's as simple as it is delicious. And it's 100% vegan and ready in 30 minutes too.

    okra masala

    So you might have seen the word okra here and are currently thinking - has she lost her mind?! But stick with me. This Bhindi Masala is a dish even non-okra lovers can get behind. (And I know, because I am one of them.) 

    I first published a version of this recipe titled Bhindi Bhaji, which was generously shared by Terry Hope Romero as a sample recipe from her cookbook Vegan Eats World. The recipe has been updated slightly over the years, and I’ve added my own photos. But I still highly recommend you check out that cookbook! 

    This Bhindi Masala Recipe is...

    • Authentically Flavorful: With traditional spices like garam masala, turmeric, and amchur, it's a taste of India in every bite.
    • Surprisingly Simple: Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
    • Adaptable: Whether you like it spicy or mild, this dish can be tailored to your palate.
    • Vegan!

    What is Bhindi Masala?

    Bhindi Masala, is a classic Indian dish that has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of food enthusiasts worldwide. The name itself is a direct nod to its main ingredient and preparation style: "Bhindi" in Hindi means okra, and "Masala" refers to a mixture of spices. The exact origin of Bhindi Masala is a bit hazy, but it's widely believed to have originated in the northern parts of India.

    okra masala

    Key Ingredients & Substitutions

    Okra

    The star of the dish. If fresh okra isn't available, frozen okra can be a good substitute, though you will need to defrost and dry it thoroughly first to avoid getting a slimy texture. 

    Garam Masala

    This classic spice blend is at the heart of many Indian dishes. It's worth splurging on a quality brand (like this one) for all of your Indian cooking.

    Amchur Powder (Dry Mango Powder)

    Adds a tangy twist. You can find amchur powder at Indian grocers or grab it online here. If unavailable, lime juice works as an easy alternative.

    Cayenne Pepper

    For heat lovers! Reduce or omit this for a milder version of the recipe.

    okra masala

    Helpful Tips & Variations

    Buying Okra

    When selecting okra, choose medium-sized okra that feel crisp to the touch. Dark green Indian okra or light green okra both work well for this recipe. You can find okra at any Indian grocery store.

    Dry the Okra

    Before cooking, ensure the okra is completely dry to avoid it becoming too slimy. That sliminess is the reason most people don't like okra. I suggest getting a paper towel and literally drying off each piece of okra before you slice it.

    Stir Gently! 

    Okra is delicate. Stir gently to avoid breaking them apart - you don't want a mushy mess.

    Add Protein

    Throw in some pan-fried tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for an added protein boost.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve your bhindi masala over steamed basmati rice or with a side of Indian bread like rotis or vegan naan bread.

    More Vegan Recipes

    If you love this Bhindi Masala, be sure to check out these other tasty vegan ideas: 

    • African Peanut and Okra Stew
    • Creole Tomatoes and Okra
    • 30-Minute Vegan Chana Masala

    Recipe

    okra masala

    Bhindi Masala (Okra Masala)

    Spice up your dinner routine with this hearty and flavorful Bhindi Masala - a classic Indian dish that's as simple as it is delicious. 100% vegan and ready in 30 minutes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Email
    Course: Main dish
    Cuisine: Indian / Vegan / Healthy
    Diet: ,
    Keyword: bhindi masala, Indian dish, Indian recipe, masala recipe, okra masala
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 77kcal
    Author: Veg Kitchen

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound fresh okra pods
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
    • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
    • 1 large onion chopped
    • 2 teaspoons Garam Masala plus extra for garnish
    • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for less heat
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 to 4 tablespoons water or broth
    • 1 cup chopped tomatoes fresh or canned
    • 1 teaspoon dried mango powder amchur or lime juice
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Prepare Okra. Trim the ends off the okra and cut them into ½-inch pieces.
    • Cook Mustard Seeds.In a large skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add mustard seeds. Once they start popping, reduce heat to medium.
    • Add Garlic and Onion. Sauté garlic for a few seconds, then add onion. Cook until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.
    • Add okra to the skillet. Mix in Garam Masala, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Add water or broth, reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • If it sticks to the pan, add a little more water or broth.
    • Add tomatoes and amchur powder or lime juice. Cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes are soft.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Garnish with extra garam masala. Serve warm with rice, rotis, or naan bread.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 77kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 678mg | Potassium: 525mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 988IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 2mg
    Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.

    More Vegan Indian Recipes

    • Quick aloo gobi
      30-Minute Aloo Gobi (Vegan)
    • easy vegetable curry
      15-Minute Vegetable Curry (with frozen veggies!)
    • easy madras lentils
      30-Minute Madras Lentils (Vegan)
    • lentil recipe
      Masala Lentils (Sabut Masoor)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    nicole malik from vegkithen.com

    Hi, I'm Nicole! I'm the creator behind VegKitchen, and the author of the popular cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. Learn more about me here.

    More about me →

    vegan substitution chart

    Featured Recipes

    • recipes for a vegan Christmas dinner menu
      Best Vegan Christmas Recipes
    • vegan christmas cookies
      Vegan Christmas Cookies
    • vegan irish stew
      Old-Fashioned Vegan Stew
    • vegan breakfast casseroles
      10 Make-Ahead Vegan Breakfast Casseroles
    • Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
    • vegan jalapeno poppers
      Vegan Jalapeno Poppers

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    • Shop Cookbooks
    • Free Vegan Cheat Sheet
    • About Us
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

    Still hungry? Check out our delicious family of blogs.


    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Hook & Porter Media

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Additional Recipe Ratings

    Something went wrong. Please try again.