Some days you just want something easy and fuss free and this Achari Bhindi with it's mix and cook approach is just that - a perfect weeknight Pakistani sabzi!
I did not grow up eating Achari Bhindi. My family's default bhindi is a dry sabzi, but we are also very fond of kurkuri bhindi and bhindi masala. Distinctly not fond of Bhindi Gosht, but let's not revisit that shall we.
It was cooking for a big household while managing a toddler that led to me discovering this recipe and then clinging on to it for dear life because
1.) it is EASY and frozen bhindi means little chopping
2.) if you like the flavor of achar then it is an easy sell. Even for bhindi.
So in a nutshell I came up with this recipe because i was exhausted and needed something quick, hands off, and flavorful. If that is you then you are in the right place.
To Make or not to Make Achari Masala
Honestly: up to you. I prefer the cleaner version of homemade or just tossing some simple spices together like I have in the recipe card but have used storebought in a pinch and it's fine. My only note there is please start with the lower quantity and adjust as needed. Sometimes the storebought masalas are spice forward more than flavour forward if you know what I mean.
*Gasp* is that FROZEN Bhindi?
Yes eagle eyed friends, this is probably the one recipe that I use frozen bhindi for. It is so CONVENIENT ok? and sometimes we like to chop and sometimes we are tired. OKAY?
I Am Tired Today Achari Bhindi
Almost called this lazy day achari bhindi but then I thought to myself sometimes we aren't 'lazy', sometimes we are just tired and need something easy and simple. All you need to do here is combine all the ingredients in a pan.
Then partially cover and cook and in about 15 minutes or so your okra will look like this. At this point it is cooked through and the onions are softened. Turn the heat up and saute a few more minutes and voila! You're done, adjust seasoning to taste (always) and dig in.
What goes with Achari Bhindi?
We have well established that I love a good sabzi with yoghurt and chapati. However, we also know that just like in every post I love sharing some menu ideas. IMHO these are some solid ones
Made this Achari Bhindi recipe? Rate below by clicking the number of stars you want to give it on the recipe card!
Busy Day Achari Bhindi
Ingredients
- 300 g okra roughly 2.5-3 cups , frozen & sliced or fresh.
- 3 cloves of minced garlic (optional)
- 1 sliced onion
- ½ tsp nigella seeds/kalonji
- 1-2 sliced green chilies
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 4 tbsp oil
Achar Masala or use 1.5-2 tbsp storebought
- Salt to taste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tbsp dried mango powder/kachri powder
- 1 tsp whole coriander seeds (coarsely crushed)
- ¼ tsp aniseed or saunf
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a pan
- Heat 3-4 tbsp oil in a saute pan and when it starts to shimmer add all the ingredients and cook on medium high heat for 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat a little and cook partially covered, stirring occasionally until cooked through. Do not stir too often because that will break the okra
- When it is done (15-20 minutes) then add a squeeze of lemon juice and adjust seasoning. If you like a more charred bhindi then you can crank the heat up and saute for a few minutes to develop that depth.
Notes
- recently updated this recipe to reflect that bags of frozen bhindi / okra are 300g.
- this recipe is an old trusty busy day recipe. I've been told that adding a diced tomato in the mix adds a juiciness to it and I believe it!
myninjanaan says
This is such an interesting way to cook bhindi; just mix everything and cook! My husband lovessss bhindi and achar, and I like neither, but I would love to try this as a change from our regular bhindi!
sarahjmir says
haha how about the crispy bhindi were you slice it thinly length wise, cook till crisp and season with loads of chaat masala? my daughter isn't a fan of bhindi but we she will eat those 'sticks'
Deena Kakaya says
I'm quite the okra fan and your dish looks lip-smackingly tasty. Great to connect with you x
sarahjmir says
Thanks Deena! You are too kind 🙂