Spicy peanut stuffed okra (bharwa bhindi) is the Indian side I make most often — slender pods slit lengthwise and packed with a ground peanut, onion, and warm-spice filling, then pan-cooked until tender. It's spicy, nutty, and faintly sweet from the onions. One pan and half an hour, start to finish.
Forget everything you thought you knew about slimy okra! This recipe for Spicy Peanut Stuffed Okra, inspired by the classic Indian dish Bharwa Bhindi, transforms this humble vegetable into a crispy, crunchy, and unbelievably flavorful appetizer. Each pod is carefully slit and packed with a zesty filling of roasted peanuts, aromatics, and spices, then baked to perfection. It’s a fantastic finger food for parties or a unique side dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
• 24 large fresh okra pods (about 1 lb / 450g)
• 1 cup / 145g roasted unsalted peanuts
• ½ small onion, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1-inch / 2.5cm piece fresh ginger, peeled
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed (or left in for more heat)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp salt
• Cooking spray or a little oil for baking
Instructions
1. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F / 220°C. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.2. Prep the okra: Wash and thoroughly dry the okra pods. Trim just the tops (caps) off. Using a small paring knife, carefully make a slit lengthwise down one side of each pod, stopping before you reach the tip. Gently pry the pods open with your fingers, creating a pocket for the filling.3. Make the spicy filling: In a food processor, combine the roasted peanuts, onion, garlic, ginger, jalapeño, cumin, coriander, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is very finely chopped and crumbly, but not a smooth paste.4. Stuff and bake: Using your fingers or a small spoon, carefully stuff the peanut mixture into each prepared okra pod. Arrange the stuffed okra in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the filling is lightly browned and fragrant. Serve hot!
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information (per serving)
• Calories: 177
• Protein: 7 g
• Total Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 202 mg
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
Pro Tips
• Don’t over-process the filling. Pulse the peanut mixture until it’s finely chopped and crumbly. You want some texture, not a smooth paste, for the best bite.
• Control the heat. For a milder flavor, make sure all jalapeño seeds are removed. For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Try it with zucchini. This filling is incredibly versatile! If you’re not an okra fan, cut a medium zucchini into 1-inch thick rounds, scoop out the center to create a well, stuff with the peanut mixture, and bake as directed.
• Pick the best okra. Look for young, firm, bright green okra pods. If they are dull, bruised, or feel woody, they won’t be as tender when baked.
FAQ
Q: Is this stuffed okra recipe a good source of plant-based protein
A: Yes, this recipe is a great source of plant-based protein. The filling is primarily made from roasted peanuts, which are naturally high in protein. Each serving provides approximately 7 grams (0.25 oz / 7.1 g) of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious vegetarian appetizer or side dish.
Q: Can I make this spicy peanut stuffed okra vegan
A: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as written. It contains no dairy, eggs, or other animal products. Just be sure to use a plant-based cooking spray or a vegetable oil like olive or avocado oil for baking to keep it 100% vegan.
Q: What can I use instead of peanuts for a nut-free version
A: For a delicious nut-free alternative, you can substitute the roasted peanuts with an equal amount of roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas). Pulse them in the food processor with the other filling ingredients just as you would with the peanuts for a similarly crunchy and flavorful result.
Q: How do I store leftover stuffed okra
A: Store any leftover stuffed okra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, we recommend reheating them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.
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Spicy Peanut Stuffed Okra (Bharwa Bhindi)
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F / 220°C. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. 2. Prep the okra: Wash and thoroughly dry the okra pods. Trim just the tops (caps) off.
- Using a small paring knife, carefully make a slit lengthwise down one side of each pod, stopping before you reach the tip. Gently pry the pods open with your fingers, creating a pocket for the filling. 3. Make the spicy filling: In a food processor, combine the roasted peanuts, onion, garlic, ginger, jalapeño, cumin, coriander, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is very finely chopped and crumbly, but not a smooth paste. 4.
- Stuff and bake: Using your fingers or a small spoon, carefully stuff the peanut mixture into each prepared okra pod.
- Arrange the stuffed okra in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the filling is lightly browned and fragrant.
- Serve hot!
- Don't over-process the filling. Pulse the peanut mixture until it's finely chopped and crumbly. You want some texture, not a smooth paste, for the best bite.
