Tawa Bhindi

'Mid-week'...today was that tiring day when I wanted to cook and enjoy some delicious dinner without much effort. I did not want to go to a restaurant either.  Since I had a bag full of bhindi/okra that I had purchased over the weekend, it came to rescue. I thought of making my favorite tawa bhindi.

I just enjoy rustic food... bhindi/orka stuffed with spice mixture and cooked on an iron griddle or skillet till it is slightly crisp, goes so well wrapped in freshly made rotis. As soon as my husband entered the house through the garage door, I heard him say "Yummy'.  He had no idea what the dinner was, but just the aroma triggered his brain to express it that way!  :)

You could use various veggies for Tawa Vegetable. I like to use eggplant, cauliflower, bitter gourd, bell peppers, and okra. This recipe is ideal for BBQing too. just stuff veggies, coat them with oil and toss into a grilling skillet. The smokey, charcoal flavor will enhance the flavors of the veggies and will be perfect with tandorri roti or naan.

Here is how I make Tawa Bhindi
1 lb. Okra
4-5 tbsp. Tawa Masala (either homemade or MDH Tava masala)
4-5 tbsp. Oil

To make Tawa Masala (can be stored in an airtight container in a refrigerator)
1 tsp. oil
1 tsp. mustard seeds
1 tsp. cumin seeds
4-5 cloves
1 inch cinnamon
2 tbsp. coriander seeds
2 tsp. kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
1 tbsp. red chilli powder
1 tsp. Amchoor (dried mango powder)
1 tsp. Chaat masala
1 Tsp Salt

To make Tawa Masala

• Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard and cumin seeds. When they start to crackle turn off the heat.
• Add all other ingredients to the same pan and roast for a minute or two. Cool
• Grind to form a powder.

To make Tawa Bhindi

• Cut the edge of bhindi/okra
• Make a long slit lengthwise through the entire bhindi.
• Stuff with a pinch of two of Tawa Masala. You could also use store bought Tawa Masala. I really like MDH Tava Masala. 
• Once all okras have been stuffed, keep them aside.
• Heat 4-5 tbsp. oil in a skillet or a wide pan. (you can add more oil if needed)
• Add stuffed okra and toss well.
• Toss them occasionally and cook till they are done.
• Serve with rotis.

Here is step by step pictorial recipe

Cut the edge of bhindi/okra
Make a long slit lengthwise through the entire bhindi.
Stuff with a pinch of two of Tawa Masala. You could also use store bought Tawa Masala. I really like MDH Tava Masala.

Heat 4-5 tbsp. oil in a skillet or a wide pan. (you can add more oil if needed)
Add stuffed okra and toss well.
Toss them occasionally and cook till they are done.
Serve with rotis.

Enjoy Tawa Bhindi!!