Instant Pot Bhindi Masala / Okra Stir Fry

User Reviews

4.9

177 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    2

  • Calories

    250 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Indian

Instant Pot Bhindi Masala / Okra Stir Fry

Instant Pot Bhindi Masala is a spiced okra stir fry cooked under pressure with cumin, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of traditional Indian spices including turmeric, coriander, amchur, and optional cayenne. The method produces tender okra that is cooked evenly while retaining its characteristic flavor and texture.

Description

This recipe uses an Instant Pot to prepare Bhindi Masala, a classic Indian okra stir fry. The process starts by sautéing cumin seeds and garlic in oil, then adding onions and cooking until softened. Chopped tomatoes and spices such as turmeric, coriander, cayenne pepper (optional), dry mango powder (amchur), and salt are combined with the okra pieces and a small amount of water. The mixture is sealed and pressure cooked for a few minutes.

The gentle pressure cooking softens the okra while allowing the spices to infuse the dish thoroughly. After quick pressure release, the dish is gently stirred and left open briefly before serving to allow any excess moisture to evaporate, thus avoiding sliminess often associated with cooked okra.

This stir fry can be served as a side dish with rice or Indian breads. The dry mango powder adds a bright and tangy dimension, which can be substituted with lemon juice if unavailable. For stovetop cooking, the recipe can be adapted by simmering with a lid and continuing to cook on low heat to achieve tenderness without a pressure cooker.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds aka Jeera
  • 3 cloves garlic finely diced
  • 1 onion small, medium sliced
  • 1 tomato medium chopped
  • 1 lb okra cut into equal 1/2-1" pieces, aka Bhindi
  • 3 tablespoon water

Spices

  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder dhaniya powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, or red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mango powder aka amchur
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the instant pot in saute mode and add oil to it.  Add cumin seeds, garlic and saute for 30 seconds. 
  2. Add the sliced onion and saute for 3 minutes. 
  3. Add chopped tomato, spices, okra and water. Mix well.  (If your instant pot is prone to burn or if using an 8qt instant pot, add additional 2 tablespoons of water)
  4. Hit cancel and close the instant pot lid with the vent in the sealing position. Start the instant pot in Manual or Pressure cook mode for 2 minutes at low pressure (or 1 minute on high pressure).  
  5. When the instant pot beeps, hit cancel and do a quick pressure release.   
  6. Stir the okra gently.  Leave open for 5 mins before eating.

Notes

  • If the Instant Pot does not come to pressure, the okra will still cook well in the allotted time.
  • Dry mango powder (amchur) lends tartness; substitute with 1 tablespoon lemon juice if needed.
  • For larger Instant Pot models or burn-prone models, add extra water to avoid burning.
  • To make on stovetop, cook covered for 5 minutes then uncovered on low for 10 minutes until okra is tender.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 250kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 28g (9%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 10g (50%) Sodium 1191mg (50%) Potassium 945mg (20%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 2221IU (44%) Vitamin C 66mg (73%) Calcium 221mg (22%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 250 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 250kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 28g 9%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Sodium 1191mg 50%
Potassium 945mg 20%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 2221IU 44%
Vitamin C 66mg 73%
Calcium 221mg 22%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

177 reviews
Excellent

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