Kurkuri Bhindi – Punjabi Crispy Fried Okra | Ladies Finger Fry

Kurkuri Bhindi is a sure deep-fried delight. Okra coated with tangy spices and crisp fried to a crunchy golden brown is pure bliss! Besanwali Bhindi (okra tossed in spiced gram flour) pairs well with Rice and Moong Dal. Or, you can serve it as a tea time snack or appetizer.

Bhindi or lady’s finger is something one either loves or hates. There’s no grey territory here. I have a weakness for lady’s finger and I always like a bowl of this deep fried vegetable on the table.

Health Benefits of Okra

• Rich in Fiber: Okra is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
• Low in Calories: Ideal for weight watchers, okra is low in calories but packed with essential nutrients.
• Vitamin C Boost: Okra is a good source of Vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: It contains antioxidants like polyphenols, which combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Good for Heart Health: Okra helps reduce cholesterol levels, benefiting heart health and managing blood pressure.

Punjabi Kurkuri Bhindi Recipe:

Craving a snack that’s crispy, tangy, and has a delightful crunch in every bite? Look no further than Kurkuri Bhindi, a popular Indian delicacy known for its irresistibly crispy texture and punch of flavors. Made with fresh okra, this dish is spiced to perfection, lightly coated, and fried to golden brown. It’s a fantastic side or snack that will make you forget potato chips ever existed! Not only is it delectable, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the health benefits of okra in a form that’s anything but ordinary.

Crispy Bhindi fry is an authentic Punjabi dish where okra slices are dredged in dry spices and gram flour and fried to golden brown perfection. I love fresh tender okra especially when it’s transformed into this crispy fry delicious dish. Bhindi in Hindi means okra or lady’s finger and Kurkuri  means crisp.

This Indian bhindi recipe is a pure vegetarian dish and the mix of spices adds flavour and crunch. There’s no slimy mess to deal with, and the dry crunchy vegetarian dish can be served as a side with your meal or eaten as a snack.

Rice flour mixed with besan gives a light, airy crispness to the bhindis.

• To make home-made fried okra, firstly wash the okra well and pat dry.

• Cut the ends and slice the okra vertically and then halve them (about 1 ½ inches or so in length). Slitting the bhindi into slivers ensures they get crispy fried and retain their crunch.

• Next place the slit bhindis in a bowl and sprinkle the spices – salt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, amchur and red chilli powder. Toss the ladies fingers well until evenly coated and keep aside for 5 minutes.

• Then add besan and rice flour to the seasoned okra pieces and mix well.

• Then stir in ½ tsp of oil. Keep the spice-coated ladies fingers aside for 10 minutes.

• Heat oil for deep-frying in a kadai. Drop the okra in batches and fry to a golden brown over medium heat.

• Finally remove spicy, crispy okra onto absorbent paper.

• Serve Punjabi Kurkuri Bhindi with rice and dal.

If you are looking for more deep-fried snacks recipes, then do try out Plantain Chips and Palak Pakoda.

Kurkuri Bhindi Serving Suggestions

• As a Snack: Kurkuri Bhindi is perfect as a crunchy snack or appetizer, especially when served with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
• Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with a traditional Indian meal. Serve it alongside rice, dal, and roti for a balanced meal.
• Topping: Add it as a topping over a mixed vegetable pulao or biryani to add a delightful texture to your meal.

Kurkuri Bhindi Variations

• Spiced Kurkuri Bhindi: Add garam masala or chatpata masala for an extra kick of flavor.
• Baked Version: For a healthier option, bake the coated okra in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air-fried Kurkuri Bhindi: Coat the okra and place it in an air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
• Onion Kurkuri Bhindi: Add sliced onions along with the okra before frying. This adds another layer of flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Kurkuri Bhindi

• Dry the Okra Thoroughly: Make sure the okra is completely dry after washing to prevent sliminess.
• Thin Slices: Try to slice the okra as thinly as possible
• Use Rice Flour: Adding rice flour ensures extra crispiness, so don’t skip it!
• Fry in Small Batches: Overcrowding the pan can make the okra soggy instead of crispy, so fry in small batches.
• Avoid Over-frying: Fry on medium heat to avoid burning the okra and maintain the perfect golden color.

Crispy Okra Fry Recipe details below: