sehold, okra or bhindi is a very popular vegetable. But, most of the time, children and even elders do not like this vegetable due to its slimy texture. If you want to avoid this everyday issue, you can try crispy bhindi fry using sarson oil. This delicious Indian recipe includes tender bhindi or okra sliced thin, tossed with warm spices, and fried until entirely crisp. You can enjoy this dish with fluffy rotis, parathas, etc. Now, the real flavour of this dish can come only when you choose the right cooking medium. Sarson oil plays a vital role in preparing delicious bhindi fry.
Sarson oil, commonly known as sarson ka tel, is the best choice for high-heat cooking. When you cook the bhindi fry with sarson oil, you will get multiple health benefits as well. Besides, traditional Indian dishes taste best with the Pungent Smell of sarson oil. So, are you ready to enjoy the authentic okra fry? Let's check the recipe here.
Why Mustard Oil is Essential for Bhindi Fry?
Cooking in generic packaged oil can not add the best taste to the bhindi fry. So, you must add sarson oil to this recipe. Here are more reasons.
- No sticky slime: Sarson oil can eliminate the internal slimy texture of bhindi.
- Pungent aroma: Sarson oil adds a beautiful Rustic Aroma to your bhindi fry. That aroma is the real identity of Indian foods.
- Locks crisp texture: During cooking, the sarson oil ensures that the outer layer of the bhindi develops a crunchy texture.
- Benefits of the oil: Sarson oil is a very healthy choice for an everyday diet. It adds stable Monounsaturated Fats, which help in overall health and wellness.
Want to know the truth behind common sarson ka tel myths? Read our detailed guide, Myths vs. Facts: Debunking the Truth About Mustard Oil.
Ingredients Required for Bhindi Fry with Mustard Oil
Here is the detailed list you need to cook perfect bhindi fry with mustard oil.
- Fresh bhindi or okra: you can take around 500 gm
- Sarson oil
- Cumin seeds
- Salt as needed
- Carom seeds (ajwain)
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- Turmeric powder
- Kashmiri red chilli powder
- Coriander powder
- Amchur powder
Bhindi Fry with Mustard Oil: Step-wise Recipe
Now, check the steps for the bhindi fry. Do not skip any step.
- Take 500 gm of bhindi and wash them thoroughly. There should not be any dust or impurities.
- Bhindi has a crown-shaped and you must remove it before preparation. Also, you have to cut down the lower part as well. Then chop them into small pieces.
- Bake a pan or a kadai. Put some sarson oil in it and heat it. It is best to make sure that the oil is heated fully. Otherwise, this vegetable will be quite watery.
- Now, add the cumin seeds and carom seeds to the hot oil. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the sliced onions to the pan. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat until they turn soft and lightly golden.
- Once the onions are properly cooked, add chopped bhindi into the pan. Stir gently to coat with the spiced oil.
- Fry bhindi on medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep the pan completely uncovered.
- When all bhindis are a little shrunk, you can add turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, amchur, and salt. Mix everything very well. Once the raw flavor of all spices is gone, you will get perfectly cooked bhindi fry.
Tips for Authentic Indian Bhindi Fry in Mustard Oil
- Do not cover the pan or kadai with a lid. A covered pan will trap water, and it will not help bhindis to be fried properly.
- Add the salt at the very end of the cooking. If you add salt early, it will draw out internal moisture and create unwanted slime.
- If you notice stickiness developing, stir in a half-teaspoon of amchur powder or lemon juice. The acid breaks down the slime instantly.
- Wipe your kitchen knife with a paper towel occasionally while chopping to remove any sticky sap build-up.
Want to know whether sarson ka tel is suitable for people with diabetes? Read our detailed guide, Is Mustard Oil Good for Diabetes Patients?
What are the Health Benefits of Mustard Oil?
There are multiple benefits of sarson oil if we can add it to our daily diet.
- It stimulates the secretion of Gastric Enzymes. This is why the benefits of sarson oil are excellent for gut health.
- Sarson ka tel has healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). These support healthy, balanced cholesterol levels. That means you can always stay fit.
- Sarson oil adds multiple natural compounds to our body. These elements are useful for better cardiovascular health.
- Its organic properties guard your digestive tract against harmful food-borne pathogens.
Want to try a rich, authentic North Indian curry? Read our detailed recipe, How to Make Indian Paneer Curry with Mustard Oil.
How to Serve Bhindi Fry?
Here is how you can enjoy freshly cooked bhindi fry.
- Soft Plain Tawa Rotis: These soft whole-wheat flatbreads are ideal for wrapping around the tasty, fried okra bits.
- Yellow Dal Tadka and Rice: It is the combination of cooked lentils and rice served in a cup, which one could not help eating even in the rain or winter season! The okra here has a perfect contrast and goes very well alongside.
- Laccha Paratha: This is another option you can choose to pair with bhindi fry. It complements the rustic and pan-seared textures and flavours of the dish.
- A Glass of Chill Chaas: It is a very refreshing, seasoned buttermilk that offers a nice contrast to the fiery flavours.
So, are you excited to try the best bhindi fry in your own kitchen? Choose the best sarson oil from a reliable market and add it to your daily diet. With the goodness of bhindi and sarson oil, your daily meal can be quite interesting. Besides, a hot plate of crisp, simple stir-fry bhindi can upgrade your meal. Try this recipe today and check how your taste buds are thanking you.