(A Maharashtrian-style stuffed okra recipe).

Bharli bhindi is a Maharashtrian-style stuffed bhindi recipe. This dish uses goda masala in the stuffing and this is what makes it a traditional Maharashtrian dish. Goda masala can be bought from stores or can be made at home. The bhindi/lady’s finger/okra is stuffed with spicy coconut and peanut powder stuffing and then cooked to perfection!

Ingredients

• 500g Bhindi /Okra / Lady’s finger

• 1 tsp jeera

• salt as per taste

For the stuffing -

• 2 tbsp peanuts

• 4 tbsp coconut freshly grated

• 1 tbsp goda masala

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 2 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp sugar

• salt as per taste

• 1/2 lemon juice

• 1 tbsp coriander leaves finely chopped

For garnish -

• coriander leaves chopped

Method

• Roast the peanuts on low flame and keep them aside. After they cool down, grind them into a coarse paste using a grinder or pestle and mortar. Our roasted peanut powder is ready.

• Wash the bhindi thoroughly and pat them dry. Make sure the bhindi is completely dry before starting to cut them. Remove the ends of each bhindi and make a vertical slit in each bhindi.

• In a bowl mix all ingredients for stuffing along with the roasted peanuts powder. Mix well and stuff the bhindis with this mixture.

• Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan or kadhai. Add jeera and saute for 30 sec. Now add the stuffed bhindis to it, add a little salt and gently mix to coat them with oil.

• Add the remaining masala to the pan too and cover with a lid. Cook on a low flame for 5 mins. Keep stirring intermittently.

• Remove the lid and cook till the bhindis are soft.

• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

BHARLI BHINDI IS READY TO SERVE!

SERVE HOT WITH PARATHA / ROTIS.

Notes -

• Make a vertical slit, just in the middle of each bhindi. Leave the two sides intact so that the bhindis don’t separate into two halves.

• Mix gently so that the stuffing doesn’t come out of the bhindis.