Bhindi Masala, a cherished dish hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of India, is celebrated for its unique combination of textures and flavors. This reimagined version introduces the nutty crunch of roasted peanuts and the sweet burst of pomegranate seeds, elevating the traditional recipe to a new level of gastronomic delight. The okra, known for its velvety texture, is perfectly complemented by the array of spices, creating a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. The aroma of toasted spices, combined with the freshness of the okra and the tangy sweetness of the pomegranate, promises a sensory experience that is both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients

Serving Size: Serves 4

From Your Pantry:

• 1 lb of okra, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons of coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

Additional Grocery Items Needed:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds
• Fresh cilantro for garnishing

Preparation

1. Wash the okra and pat it dry thoroughly. Slice it into half-inch pieces and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Add the chopped onions and green chilies to the skillet. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
6. Sprinkle in the coriander powder, turmeric, and salt. Mix well.
7. Add the okra to the skillet. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the okra is tender.
8. Sprinkle garam masala and roasted peanuts over the okra. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything well.
9. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

Expert Tips

• Ensure the okra is completely dry before slicing to avoid it becoming slimy during cooking.
• Roasting the peanuts before adding them to the dish enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• For a vegan version, ensure that all ingredients, including the garam masala, are free from animal products.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the rich flavors of this dish, serve it alongside a bowl of fragrant basmati rice or warm, fresh naan bread. The nuttiness of the peanuts and the sweet acidity of the pomegranate seeds make this Bhindi Masala a versatile companion to a variety of side dishes. Consider a cooling cucumber raita or a tangy mango chutney to balance the spicy and savory notes of the main dish.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 6g
• Allergens: Peanuts

We hope you enjoy this twist on a classic dish and feel inspired to share it with your loved ones. Cooking is a journey of discovery, and we encourage you to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make this recipe uniquely yours. Bon appétit!