Kurkuri Bhindi or Punjabi Karari Bhindi is an easy and snacky Indian recipe made with Bhindi or Ladies Fingers or Okra.
These Okra or Bhindi are coated with gram flour (Besan) and other spices and fried until they turn crispy and golden brown.
This is a quick Indian side dish recipe and makes for the perfect addition to any Indian meal.
Also, you can enjoy it as snacks. Talking of snacks have you tried my Crispy and Snacky Paneer Pakoras yet?
Bhindi ki Sabji
Hey guys! So, As you might know, I am not a huge fan of Okra.
But staying in North India, I have realized the love and adoration people have for Bhindi is almost infectious 🙂
I know! It is like there always has to be bhindi.
So, the other day, while I was quickly making a meal for a small party at home, I quickly thought of making this Karari Bhindi as a side dish.
This comes together in minutes and everyone loved it so much!
This is super crispy and crunchy on the outside and tasty and spicy on the inside.
From then on, I have been making this Kurkuri Bhindi a lot.
Also, people love to enjoy it as a quick snack and it especially tastes so good with a simple and humble bowl of Dal-Chawal!
What is Kurkuri Bhindi?
Kurkuri Bhindi or Karari Bhindi is basically Ladies Fingers which are thinly sliced and coated with an assortment of spices, besan or gram flour, and also some cornflour.
These are then deep-fried until they turn golden brown and are all crispy and crunchy!
Let' talk Taste
I know! This is the most important aspect of this recipe. If you're ever going to make it, you need to know, how this tastes!
This Karari Bhindi is exactly as the name suggests. It's extremely crunchy and crispy.
The crunchy Okra or Bhindi is seriously good.
Also, its a tad bit tangy and spicy because of the Chaat Masala, Lemon Juice, and Red Chili Powder. But all of that adds to the snacky taste of these Kurkuri Bhindi.
The Major ingredients used to make this recipe
To make these Kurkuri Bhindi, I have used the following ingredients:
- Okra or Ladies Finger or Bhindi - I have used thin and fresh Bhindis. If you use seasonal Bhindis, you will have more flavors.
- Besan or Gram Flour - Besan is the one thing that is very important in this recipe. Besan adds to the crunch of this recipe and actually accounts for the crispiness.
- Ajwain or Carom Seeds - Ajwain adds to the spiciness of the recipe and also makes these easy for digestion.
- Chaat Masala - Chaat Masala adds to the zesty and tangy flavors to these Bhindis.
- Apart from this, the basic spices like Red Chili Powder, Turmeric or Hadi, and salt and pepper have been used.
Some Important Tips
Washing the Bhindis - Many people including me, complain that Bhindis get slimy when you cut it open. So to avoid that, choose long Bhindis. Also, wash them nicely and then Pat dry with a Paper Towel. Once it is dried out, cut it out into thin slices.
Using hot Oil - It is very important that you use Hot Oil. When you use Hot Oil, then your Bhindis, will turn golden brown quickly and account for crispy bhindis.
Making Karaki Bhindi in the oven
Of course, you can make it in the oven as well. All you need to do is coat the Bhindis with the spices and besan and then place them in a baking dish.
Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top. Drizzle oil on top and pop them in the oven for 7-8 minutes at full power and then get them out, toss them and repeat for another 4-5 minutes.
You can also, preheat the oven to 350F or 180 C and bake each side for 15- 20 minutes.
How to make Kurkuri Bhindi? Learn with Step By Step Images:
So to make Kurkuri Bhindi, there are just four basic steps.
The first step is to wash and clean the Bhindis. Pat dry them with a towel.
Next, cut it into thin slices. There should be four slices of each bhindi and you should cut it lengthwise.
Next, marinate it with the spices, Besan, and Cornflower.
Finally, deep fry these Bhindis and serve them hot.
You should serve this Kurkuri Bhindi hot. This will lose out on the crispiness once it cools down, so it is ideally served hot.
Hope you liked this recipe and shall make it. If you happen to make this recipe, then tag me with #twinskirasoi on Instagram. Also, comment below and rate this recipe.
Kurkuri Bhindi
Equipment
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 250 gm Bhindi
- 2 cups Water to wash the Bhindi
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 Tsp Lal Mirch Powder
- 1 Tsp Jeera Powder
- 1 Tsp Garam Masala
- 1 Tsp Chaat Masala
- 2 Tbsp Cornflour
- 3 Tbsp Besan
- 1 cup Refined oil for deep frying
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice for garnish
- 1 spring Coriander Leaves chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the Bhindi and pat dry them using a clean kitchen towel. This will remove the slime from the bhindi and they will be easy to cut.
- Cut the Bhindi into thin lengthwise slices. Each Bhindi should yield 4 thin slices. If your knife is getting slimy on cutting the bhindi, rub a half sliced lemon on your knife and then slice the Bhindi.
- Marinate the Bhindi with Spices - Turmeric Powder or Hadi, Red Chili Powder or Lal Mirch Powder, Cumin Powder or Jeera powder, Chaat Masala, Garam Masala, and Salt. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes so that the Bhindi releases all the extra water.
- Now add the Gram Flour or Besan and the Cornflour. Mix everything well with the Bhindi.
- Deep fry the Bhindi in hot oil. Throw in the Bhindi in smoking hot oil. Once they are golden brown take them out on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Garnish with some more Chaat Masala and Lemon Juice and serve hot.