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Crispy South Indian Okra with Coconut (Bhindi Fry) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Crispy South Indian Okra with Coconut (Bhindi Fry)

Tired of slimy okra? This game-changing South Indian technique creates perfectly crisp, golden-brown rounds of okra, pan-fried with fragrant mustard and cumin seeds, and tossed in a delicious, toasty coconut crust. A revelation that will make you fall in love with okra all over a
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (455 g / 16 oz) okra, preferably small (3–4 inches long)
  • 4 tbsp (60 ml) ghee or sesame oil
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) black mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) cumin seeds, slightly crushed
  • 0.25 tsp (1 ml) yellow asafetida powder (hing)
  • 0.5 tsp (2 ml) turmeric powder
  • 0.25 tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper or paprika
  • 0.33 cup (35 g / 1.23 oz) grated fresh coconut (or 0.5 cup / 50 g / 1.76 oz ground almonds)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
  • Note: The 0.25 tsp (1.3 ml) amount is for potent yellow Cobra brand asafetida. If using another brand, you may need to adjust the amount.
  • Bone-Dry is Best: Ensure your okra is completely dry after washing. Any moisture will activate the slime. Air-drying in the sun for a bit works wonders if you have the time.
  • Salt Last: Always add salt after the okra is cooked and you've removed it from the heat. Salt draws out moisture, which is the enemy of crispy okra.
  • Choose Young Okra: Smaller, younger okra pods (3-4 inches) are more tender and have fewer tough seeds, resulting in a better final texture.

Method
 

  1. Prep the Okra: Wash the okra and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is the most important step to prevent sliminess! Trim the tops and tails, then slice into 0. 25-inch / 6 mm rounds.
  2. Bloom the Spices: Heat the ghee or oil in a large 10–12 inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Once hot, add the mustard and cumin seeds.
  4. When the mustard seeds turn gray and start to pop, you know they're ready.
  5. Sauté the Okra: Immediately add the asafetida, followed by the sliced okra. Quickly spread the okra into a single, even layer to ensure it crisps up nicely.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium.
  7. Add Flavor: Sprinkle the turmeric, cayenne (or paprika), and the grated coconut or ground almonds over the okra.
  8. Stir gently to coat everything.
  9. Pan-Fry to Perfection: Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender, golden brown, and has a lovely crust. If it looks too dry, add a tiny splash of water.
  10. Season and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Now is the time to add the salt!
  11. Stir to combine, cover the pan for one minute to let the flavors meld, and then serve immediately.
  12. Don't Crowd the Pan: Use a large enough pan to spread the okra in a single layer. This allows it to fry rather than steam, giving you that irresistible golden-brown crust.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 4gFat: 17g

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