Kurkuri Bhindi, commonly known as “crispy okra,” is a quite popular North Indian side dish or a snack which is crispy, spicy, flavorful and super delicious. This easy snack merges the goodness of bhindi (okra) with an irresistible crunch.
Explore grains like freekeh or sorghum for distinct textures and flavors in your dishes.
Table of contents
Kurkuri Bhindi is all about tender okra pods coated in gram flour and spices, resulting in a spicy and crunchy treat. If you are looking for a crispy, spicy, and absolutely scrumptious Indian side dish, Kurkuri Bhindi is the way to go!
Known for its tantalizing flavors, this delightful okra dish has gained immense popularity. The best part about this dish is that it is gluten-free and vegan.
On this page, you will get a step-by-step picture and video recipe with all the necessary tips, tricks and variations.
About Kurkuri Bhindi
Hailing from North India, this tantalizing recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.
This indulging Okra Fry recipe is a delightful snack or side dish featuring fresh and tender bhindi (okra pods) marinated in gram flour (besan), a medley of ground spices, and seasonings.
It goes astoundingly well as a tea-time snack, and can also be paired with chapati, paratha, dal-chawal, or rice pulao, for a simple yet satisfying and comforting meal.
> Kurkuri in Hindi means crispy or crunchy, and Bhindi refers to okra.
This recipe features fresh okra pods marinated in gram flour and spices. The coating of ‘Besan’ aka ‘gram flour’ provides a crispy texture, while the spices give it bold and complex flavors.
It’s typically deep-fried which makes it taste divine. However, for a healthier perspective it can also be air-fried or baked. It is perfect for those who are health-conscious yet crave a flavorful and crunchy treat.
By using an air fryer or oven, you can make it guilt-free while retaining that satisfying crunch.
I have shared both deep-fried and air-fried recipes on this page. You can find the detailed step-by-step picture and video recipe on this page.
I have added basic spices in this recipe, you can experiment with spices. Other spices you can add to this recipe are chaat masala, fennel, and mustard seeds with a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for that authentic Punjabi touch.
To take your Kurkuri Bhindi to the next level, you can add a dash of chaat masala to make it even more irresistible.
By following this recipe, you can relish the delightful crunch and rich flavors of Kurkuri Bhindi with perfection.
Make it for yourself or serve it to your guests, this easy recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike.
So, give it a try and relish the goodness of crispy bhindi in every bite.
This Kurkuri Bhindi
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is crispy aFlavorful and delicious
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is quick & easy to make
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is customizable
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Air-fried for guilt-free snacking
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has a tangy and spicy taste
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is gluten-free and vegan
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is packed with nutrients
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pairs well with roti, paratha
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made with minimal prep and cooking time
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can be served as a snack or a side
Ingredients
1. Okra (Bhindi): Fresh Okra, also known as bhindi, is the main ingredient of this delicious recipe. When making this recipe, it is necessary to use fresh and tender okra pods.
So to ensure a crispy texture, you need to choose the bhindi which is fresh, firm, free from blemishes.
2. Chickpea Flour (Besan): Besan or chickpea flour, is the next main ingredient of this recipe. It is used for coating the bhindi to give it a crunchy texture and adds a nutty flavor.
3. Rice Flour: A little amount of rice flour is added to enhance the crispiness of this fried dish. The addition of rice flour ensures a lighter and crunchier texture.
4. Spices: For making this dish, you need a blend of spices to make Kurkuri Bhindi.
For this recipe, you will need red chili powder for heat, turmeric powder for color, coriander and cumin powder for earthy flavors, garam masala aromatice touch, and amchur (dried mango) powder for a tangy kick.
5. Salt: It is an essential seasoning ingredient which is added to improve the taste of this dish.
6. Oil: It is used for deep frying bhindi. You can use any frying oil of your choice.
7. Cooking Spray (for air frying): A light coat of cooking spray or oil is used for air fryer recipes. A spray of oil prevents the bhindi from sticking and promotes even cooking.
Variations
Kurkuri Bhindi Chaat
Love eating chaats? Then you can turn this Kurkuri Bhindi into a delicious chaat. To make chaat, simply top it with chopped tomatoes, chopped onions, green chilies, a drizzle of tamarind chutney, coriander chutney, and plain yogurt. Sprinkle some chaat masala powder, pomegranate arils, sev and serve this flavorful and crunchy Indian street food.
Gluten-Free Kurkuri Bhindi
My recipe is entirely gluten-free as I did not add any asafetida (hing). If you want to add hing, make sure that in this recipe use the hing that is purely gluten-free asafetida (hing).
Cheesy Kurkuri Bhindi
Love a cheesy side dish. Then sprinkle some grated cheese over the bhindi just before the final minutes of deep or air frying. The melted cheese adds a rich, crispier texture to the dish.
Kurkuri Bhindi Salad
You can prepare salad using this kurkuri bhindi. Mix it with sliced cucumber, sliced greens, and sliced onions. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Top with salted peanuts and enjoy!
Healthy Baked Kurkuri Bhindi
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can achieve a similar crispy texture by baking the bhindi in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), arrange the seasoned bhindi on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
Peanut Kurkuri Bhindi
To elevate the taste of this dish, add some powdered roasted peanuts along with the spices.
Delight in the flavors of Indian cuisine with other bhindi recipes such as Bharwa Bhindi, Bhindi Aloo Tofu Masala, and Achaari Dahi Bhindi, each showcasing the versatile okra in a symphony of tastes and textures.
Serving Suggestions
Kurkuri Bhindi is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, snack or can also be used as an ingredient of chaat.
This bhindi is a perfect dish for munching during tea time snack or as an appetizer at parties. Serve it as a standalone snack alongside mint-coriander chutney, tamarind chutney or ketchup.
For a complete meal, you can also pair it with dal (lentil curry), paratha/roti (Indian flatbread), or rice. The crispy texture of the kurkuri bhindi adds a gratifying contrast to other Indian dishes.
You can also use it as a salad topping, or as a wrap or sandwich filling.
Storage Suggestions
Freshly cooked bhindi is at its crispiest. So, to enjoy its crispy texture, irresistible crunch, it is recommended to eat Kurkuri Bhindi fresh straight out of the pan or air-fryer.
You can also store the leftovers to enjoy later. To store, make sure it is completely cooled down before refrigerating. Once cooled, simply place leftover Kurkuri Bhindi in a parchment paper lined airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
Reheating: If you want to restore the crispiness, then you can reheat the leftovers in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Do not use the microwave, otherwise the bhindis will turn soggy.
Tips & tricks to make best Kurkuri Bhindi
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Choose Fresh Bhindi: It is important to use fresh and tender bhindi pods that are firm, green, and free from blemishes. Avoid using overripe or fibrous okra.
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Proper Washing and Drying: Moisture can affect the crispiness, so make sure to thoroughly wash the bhindi and pat them completely dry before slicing. The okra must be completely dry before marinating to achieve the desired crispiness.
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Uniform Slicing: To ensure even cooking and consistent texture, you need to slice the bhindi into uniform strips.
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Air-frying: When cooking them in an air fryer, remember to periodically check the bhindi during the air frying process and shake the basket for even browning.
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De-seed: To avoid a gooey texture and prevent bursting while frying, it is important to completely de-seed the bhindi.
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Coat Evenly: Season and coat the bhindi strips evenly with the spice mixture, and shake off excess flour to prevent clumping.
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Preheat Air-Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature before placing the bhindi. Preheating helps achieve a crispy texture.
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Freezing: Okra has a soft and delicate nature, so freezing Kurkuri Bhindi is not recommended as it can lead to a loss of texture and flavor.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as it can result in uneven cooking. When air frying, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
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Remove the Seeds: To avoid a bitter taste, make sure to remove most of the seeds from behind as they impart a bitter taste.
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Flour Substitute: Rice flour adds a nice crisp coating to this kurkuri bhindi. You can also substitute rice flour with cornstarch.
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Shake Off the Excess Mixture: Make sure to shake off the excess besan mixture from the bhindi before frying. Skipping this step would make the oil messy and cooking challenging.
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Oil Temperature: Ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, the okra will become soggy and absorb excess oil. Check the oil temperature before dropping the bhindi slices into hot oil. To check, add one piece of okra; if it floats right back up, then the oil is ready.
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Seasoning: You can adjust the amount of spices according to your taste. The spice levels can be adjusted to suit your preference. Increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and other spices to achieve the desired level of heat.
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Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends to create unique flavors. Add herbs, smoked paprika, or your favorite seasonings for variety.
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Serve Fresh & Hot: For the ultimate crunchiness, serve Kurkuri Bhindi immediately after cooking.
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Green Chillies: For a spicier twist, you can also add de-seeded slit green chilies to the bowl along with the slit bhindi.
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Use enough oil: Use just enough oil for frying so that there is not much excess oil remaining to strain or discard later.
Faqs
What is Kurkuri Bhindi?
Kurkuri Bhindi is a beloved North Indian snack prepared using thinly sliced okra (bhindi), that is coated with a seasoned chickpea flour (besan) mixture and deep-fried, air-fried or baked to achieve a crispy texture.
Is Kurkuri Bhindi a healthy snack?
When made in an air-fryer or an oven, it is considered a healthy snack which is rich in nutrients from the okra. It also contains less fat and few calories compared to traditional fried snacks.
Can I use rice flour instead of besan (chickpea flour) for Kurkuri Bhindi?
Yes, to make Kurkuri Bhindi, you can swap besan with rice flour. It adds a crispy texture to the dish.
Can I prepare Kurkuri Bhindi in an air fryer or oven?
Yes, you can absolutely air fry or bake kurkuri bhindi. You can get the instructions in the recipe card on this page.
How do I keep Kurkuri Bhindi crispy after cooking?
To preserve the crunch and crispiness of Kurkuri Bhindi, it’s best to serve it immediately after cooking. If you have leftovers, then you can reheat them in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes or until they are crunchy again.
What can I serve with Kurkuri Bhindi?
This Kurkuri Bhindi served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It tastes great with mint chutney, tamarind chutney, ketchup, or yogurt dip. For a satisfying meal, you can also serve it with roti, rice, or as a topping for salads.
Can I make Kurkuri Bhindi ahead of time for a party or gathering?
They taste great when they are hot and crispy. You can slice the bhindi a day before, but it is advised to deep- fry or air-fry them before serving.
Can I freeze Kurkuri Bhindi?
No, freezing Kurkuri bhindi is not recommended, as the freezing will affect the texture.
Can I make Kurkuri Bhindi spicier or milder?
Definitely. Adjusting the spice levels is possible. So feel free to increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and other spices according to your taste preferences.
Kurkuri Bhindi (Fried + Air-Fryer) (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make Kurkuri Bhidni:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the okra and patting them dry with paper towels. Ensure that the okra is completely dry and moisture-free before cutting them. Trim the ends and slice the ladyfingers vertically into thin, uniform strips. This will help achieve the desired crunchiness. Also, remove the seeds to attain a crispy texture.
- Add the sliced okra to a mixing bowl. Next, add gram flour (besan), rice flour, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, dry mango powder (amchur), chaat masala powder, and turmeric powder. Gently mix the ladyfingers to ensure that the spices coat them evenly. Allow the ladyfingers to marinate in this flavorful spice mixture for about 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for marinating and coating the bhindi.
- In a deep frying pan (kadhai), heat a sufficient amount of oil for deep frying. Just before frying, shake off the excess flour and shallow or deep-fry the marinated okra (bhindi) in batches until they turn crisp and achieve a golden brown color. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and refrain from frequently touching the bhindi while frying. Fry them until they are crisp and golden. Once fried to perfection, remove the okra from the oil and drain any excess oil by placing them on absorbent paper.
Air-Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi:
- Preheat your air fryer to 175°C (347°F). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.Arrange the besan-coated bhindi strips in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the bhindis halfway through for even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. The bhindi should be cooked until they turn crispy and golden brown. Crispy Kurkuri Bhindi is ready to be served.
Serving:
- Sprinkle some red chili powder, chaat masala, and lemon juice over the crispy fried okra and enjoy! Serve this delectable dish piping hot as a delightful accompaniment or as a main course.
Recipe Card
Kurkuri Bhindi (Fried + Air-Fryer) [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 5 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Snacks | Indian | 4 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 229 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Kurkuri Bhindi
- 350 grams fresh okra/ladyfinger (bhindi)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon dry mango powder (amchur)
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/4 cup gram flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- Oil for frying
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make Kurkuri Bhidni:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the okra and patting them dry with paper towels. Ensure that the okra is completely dry and moisture-free before cutting them. Trim the ends and slice the ladyfingers vertically into thin, uniform strips. This will help achieve the desired crunchiness. Also, remove the seeds to attain a crispy texture.
- Add the sliced okra to a mixing bowl. Next, add gram flour (besan), rice flour, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder, dry mango powder (amchur), chaat masala powder, and turmeric powder. Gently mix the ladyfingers to ensure that the spices coat them evenly. Allow the ladyfingers to marinate in this flavorful spice mixture for about 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for marinating and coating the bhindi.
- In a deep frying pan (kadhai), heat a sufficient amount of oil for deep frying. Just before frying, shake off the excess flour and shallow or deep-fry the marinated okra (bhindi) in batches until they turn crisp and achieve a golden brown color. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and refrain from frequently touching the bhindi while frying. Fry them until they are crisp and golden. Once fried to perfection, remove the okra from the oil and drain any excess oil by placing them on absorbent paper.
Air-Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi:
- Preheat your air fryer to 175°C (347°F). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.Arrange the besan-coated bhindi strips in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the bhindis halfway through for even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. The bhindi should be cooked until they turn crispy and golden brown. Crispy Kurkuri Bhindi is ready to be served.
Serving:
- Sprinkle some red chili powder, chaat masala, and lemon juice over the crispy fried okra and enjoy! Serve this delectable dish piping hot as a delightful accompaniment or as a main course.
WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...
NOTES:
- Moisture can affect the crispiness, so make sure to thoroughly wash the bhindi and pat them completely dry before slicing. The okra must be completely dry before marinating to achieve the desired crispiness.
- To ensure even cooking and consistent texture, you need to slice the bhindi into uniform strips.
- When cooking them in an air fryer, remember to periodically check the bhindi during the air frying process and shake the basket for even browning.
- To avoid a gooey texture and prevent bursting while frying, it is important to completely de-seed the bhindi.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/kurkuri-bhindi/