Bhendi Bhaja
Thin strips of okra tossed with simple spices and pan-fried until lightly crisp at the edges. This Bengali-style bhaja is quick, homey, and perfect alongside dal, rice, or a simple everyday meal.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prepare the okra.
1.Wash the okra and wipe it very dry with a clean kitchen towel.2.Trim both ends and slice each okra lengthwise into thin strips.3.Place the sliced okra in a bowl and add salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder.4.Toss gently so the spices coat the okra evenly.TIPAny moisture makes okra slimy, so dry it well before slicing. - fry · ~12 min
Fry the okra.
Heat mustard oil in a wide pan over medium heat until hot. Add the spiced okra in a single loose layer and fry, stirring every minute or so, until the slime dries out and the edges turn lightly crisp.
TIPDo not overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if needed for better browning. - serve
Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry the okra fully after washing; even a little surface water will make bhendi bhaja sticky instead of crisp.
- 2Slice the okra into thin, even strips so the slime cooks off quickly and the edges fry at the same pace.
- 3Let the mustard oil get properly hot before adding the okra to reduce sticking and help the strips blister.
- 4Spread the okra in a loose single layer; if the pan looks crowded, fry in batches for better browning.
- 5Stir gently and not constantly—too much movement can break the soft strips before they crisp.
- 6Serve immediately after frying, because the crisp edges soften as the bhaja sits.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use a well-seasoned skillet and slightly less oil, frying in smaller batches so the okra still dries out and crisps.
onion bhaja styleOnion-bhaja-style
Add thinly sliced onions toward the end for a sweeter, more caramelized bhaja that pairs especially well with dal and rice.
extra spicyExtra-spicy
Increase the red chili powder or add slit green chilies for a sharper heat that suits a simple Bengali meal.
besan coatedBesan-coated
Dust the spiced okra lightly with gram flour before frying for a drier, crunchier finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Vegetable-Forward Side
This dish centers on okra, making it an easy way to add more vegetables to an everyday rice-and-dal meal.
Lightly Spiced and Simple
With just turmeric, chili, salt, and a modest amount of oil, the seasoning stays straightforward without heavy sauces.
Contains Okra Fiber
Okra contributes plant fiber and a satisfying texture, especially useful in a simple home-style side dish.
Frequently asked questions
Wash the okra ahead of time, dry it completely, and fry it in a wide pan without crowding so the moisture evaporates quickly.
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