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Spiced okra dish served in a bowl with visible mustard seeds and masala coating.

Indian-Style Okra Recipe

This Indian-Style Okra Recipe is a quick, simple stir-fry made with fresh okra, cumin, turmeric, and Kashmiri chili. It is warm, flavorful, lightly crisp, and perfect for an easy weeknight side dish or vegetarian meal.
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Course: Side Dish, Vegetarian Main
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Indian-Style Okra Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds okra
  • 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons oil

Instructions

Heat the oil.

  • Place a skillet over medium heat and add the oil.

Prepare the tempering.

  • Add the cumin seeds and turmeric powder to the hot oil. Toast for approximately 10 seconds, or until fragrant.

Add the okra.

  • Add the okra to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly in the spiced oil.

Season the dish.

  • Add the salt and mix well.

Cover and cook.

  • Cover the skillet and allow the okra to cook for 5 minutes. Do not add water, as the moisture from the okra will be sufficient to steam it lightly.

Finish cooking uncovered.

  • Remove the lid, stir the okra, and continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are lightly crisp.

Serve.

  • Remove from the heat and serve hot.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten free as written, but it is still a good idea to confirm that the cumin seeds, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric powder, and any packaged ingredients are labeled gluten free or free from cross-contact concerns if needed for strict dietary purposes. If preparing in a shared kitchen, use clean cookware, utensils, and prep surfaces to help avoid gluten contamination.