Masala Alu Bhindi (Stir-fried Potatoes with Okra and spices)

This simple stir fry comes together quickly. If you are an okra lover this recipe is a must try.

Mustard oil adds a very unique flavor to the dish and all you need for spices are Salt, Turmeric, Cumin powder and seeds, Coriander powder and Sabji Masala.

Adding a pinch of turmeric when you are frying the potatoes prevents any oil splatters. 

I cook the dish on medium high heat to add some color to the vegetables. Once I add the spices, I add some water as well but keep the heat high. The water prevents the spices from burning and cooks the vegetables nicely.

Okra has a bad name for being slimy but I think if you handle the heat well, it will result in beautifully fried okras. 

You will not believe how quickly this dish gets ready. It tastes amazing and so fresh. The spices bring the best flavors so make sure to use fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Okra: 1 small bag (20 Okras), do not use the pre-chopped frozen bags
• Potato: 1 medium
• Turmeric powder: ½ teaspoon
• Mustard Oil: 2-3 tablespoons
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Cumin Seeds: ½ teaspoon
• Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Sabji Masala: 1 teaspoon
• Cumin Powder: ½ teaspoon

Directions:

• Wash the Okra and let the water drain out completely. Spread them on a kitchen towel and pat them dry. 
• Peel and cut the Potatoes in half lengthwise and then cut them in thin long pieces shaped like the alphabet ‘D’. Wash and drain.
• Remove the heads and tails of Okras.
• Now cut the Okra into medium size pieces. Do not cut too small as it will make it slimy while cooking. Also, keep an eye out for worms, they are not very common but better to be safe.
• Heat a wide skillet on medium heat.
• Add the Mustard Oil in it and once it is hot, temper with Cumin Seeds.
• When the seeds crackle, add the Potatoes in it. If the oil splatters, add some turmeric powder in it and mix. 
• Once the potatoes turn golden, add the Okra. 
• Maintain the medium heat, you can cover the pan while cooking, but make sure to stir every 2-3 minutes.
• Once the vegetables look a little fried add the Turmeric, Salt, Coriander Powder, Sabji Masala and Cumin Powder and mix well.
• Fry the spices for a minute then increase the heat to high and add ½ cup of water. Don’t be scared that the water will turn the Okra slimy. Mix, cover and cook for 3-4 minutes. The high heat will cook the vegetables and spices and prevent the Okra from getting slimy.
• Now remove the cover and stir the vegetables till the moisture dries up, press a potato and okra to check they are completely cooked.
• Turn off the heat, serve hot with Roti/ Dal Rice/ Paratha.
• Enjoy!

Love Okra? Try these as well:

• Bhindi Kalonji – Okra with Indian spices
• Alu Bhindi (Bengali Torkari - Potatoes with Okra stir fry)
• Bhindi Pyaz (Okra and Onion stir-fry)
• Bhindi Masala (Okra with Indian Spices)
• Bhindi fried in Kalonji seeds
• Air Fried Okra (Bhindi/ Lady Finger)