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Kurkuri Bhindi (Crispy Okra Fries) – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Kurkuri Bhindi (Crispy Okra Fries)

Forget slimy okra! This Kurkuri Bhindi recipe transforms okra into shatteringly crisp, spiced fries. Thin strands are coated in chickpea flour and fried to perfection for an addictive, tangy, and savory snack or side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 2 serving
Calories: 232

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb or 225g (7.9 oz) fresh, tender okra
  • 3 tbsp or 30g (1.06 oz) chickpea flour, also known as besan or gram flour
  • ¾ tsp chili powder, divided
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • ¾ tsp chaat masala, divided
  • ½ tsp amchoor powder, or sour green mango powder
  • ⅓ tsp salt, or to taste
  • Peanut or vegetable oil, for shallow frying
  • Pro-Tips for Perfect Kurkuri Bhindi
  • Your okra must be bone-dry before you start. Any moisture will create steam and lead to a soggy, slimy result instead of a crispy one.
  • Use young, tender okra pods for the best flavor and texture. Avoid large, tough, or fibrous pods.

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Okra: First, ensure your okra is completely dry. Wipe each pod with a damp cloth and let them air dry thoroughly. Trim off the top caps and bottom tips.
  2. Slice each okra pod in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3 long, thin strips.
  3. Place the strips in a large bowl.
  4. Coat the Okra: To the bowl of okra, add ½ teaspoon of chili powder, the turmeric, ¼ teaspoon of chaat masala, and all the chickpea flour. Use your hands to gently toss everything together, ensuring each strand is evenly coated.
  5. Let it Rest: Set the coated okra aside for 30 to 60 minutes. This step helps the coating adhere to the okra and draws out a little moisture, which is key for maximum crispiness.
  6. Heat the Oil: Pour about a ½ inch depth of oil into a medium frying pan or skillet and heat it over a medium flame. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of okra in; it should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface.
  7. Line a large plate with a paper towel for draining the fried okra.
  8. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the okra strips to the hot oil, one by one, in a single layer.
  9. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  10. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp.
  11. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
  12. Drain and Season: Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy okra from the pan and spread it in a single layer on the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with the salt, amchoor powder, the remaining ¼ teaspoon chili powder, and the remaining ½ teaspoon chaat masala.
  13. Toss gently.
  14. Serve: Repeat the frying process with the remaining okra. For the best texture, serve your Kurkuri Bhindi immediately while it's hot and crispy.
  15. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.
  16. Frying in small batches ensures the oil temperature stays high, giving you the crispiest possible okra.
  17. Season the okra the moment it comes out of the hot oil. The residual heat and oil will help the spices cling perfectly to every piece.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 16.5gProtein: 5.2gFat: 16.5g

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