Welcome to your new favourite way to cook bhindi! This Tawa Bhindi recipe is incredibly simple, quick, and perfect for anyone, especially beginners. Unlike many other okra recipes, this one uses an iron griddle (tawa) to give the dish a unique, smoky flavour that you’ll love. The best part? We’ll share all the secrets to cooking bhindi that’s perfectly crisp and never sticky. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a light main course, this delicious Tawa Bhindi (Okra Fry) is the perfect solution. It’s a healthy, flavourful, and easy recipe that will have everyone asking for more. Let’s get started and make this wonderful dish that’s a staple in many Indian homes.
Also Read – Spring Onion Pakoras: Your New Favourite Snack!
Ingredients List:
- 300 g Bhendi / Okra (washed and chopped)
- Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- Curry Leaves
- 1 tbsp (Green Chilli, Garlic Cloves) Paste
- 1 Medium Onion Chopped
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 Small Tomato Chopped
- Salt to taste
- Coriander Leaves (Chopped, with tender stems)
- Lemon Juice (Optional, for serving)
Also Read – Easy Dahi Bhindi Recipe
Step-by-step Instructions:
- Heat the Tawa and Temper: Heat an iron tawa (griddle) and add oil. Once it’s hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle, then add cumin seeds and curry leaves.
- Saute the Aromatics: Add the crushed green chilli and garlic paste, and saute for a minute. Next, add the chopped onion and saute on medium heat until slightly cooked.
- Add Spices and Vegetables: Add turmeric powder and mix well. If you’re using asafoetida, add it now. Then, add the chopped tomato and saute for another minute.
- Season the Mixture: Add salt to taste and then mix in the chopped coriander leaves.
- Cook the Bhindi: Add the chopped bhindi to the tawa and mix everything thoroughly on medium heat.
- Steam and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the tawa with a lid, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the steam to cook the bhindi.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and stir. Continue to cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Tawa Bhindi (Okra Fry) is tender and cooked through.
Also Read – Unique Simple Okra Recipe
Cooking Tips for Better Results:
- Use an Iron Tawa: Cooking on an iron griddle gives a unique, authentic flavour to this bhindi fry recipe.
- Prevent Stickiness: Ensure your okra is completely dry after washing before you chop it. The short steaming period under the lid will not make it sticky if the bhindi is dry.
- Cook on Low Heat: After the initial stir, reduce the heat to low. This prevents the bhindi from burning and ensures it cooks evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the bhindi from the tawa to a serving dish. This prevents it from overcooking and changing colour.
Also Read – Tasty Okra Aloo Recipe | Tasty Bhendi Batata Recipe
Variations:
- Spicy Tawa Bhindi: If you like more heat, you can add some red chilli powder after sautéing the tomatoes instead of using green chillies.
- No Onion Version: If you don’t eat onions, you can simply skip them and follow the rest of the easy recipe steps.
- Tangy Flavour: For a tangy twist, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over your Tawa Bhindi just before serving.
Also Read – Spring Onion Pakoras: Your New Favourite Snack!
Serving Suggestions:
This Tawa Bhindi recipe is perfect to eat with roti, chapati, or paratha. It also pairs wonderfully as a side dish with plain rice and dal.
Also Read – The Best Paneer Fried Rice You’ll Ever Eat
FAQs:
Q1. What is Tawa Bhindi?
Ans: Tawa Bhindi is a delicious Indian recipe where chopped okra is pan-fried on a griddle (tawa) with simple spices and vegetables.
Q2. How do I prevent my bhindi from becoming sticky?
Ans: To prevent sticky bhindi, make sure the okra is completely dry after washing before you chop it. Cooking it on low heat and not over-stirring can also help.
Q3. Can I make this Tawa Bhindi recipe without a tawa?
Ans: Yes, you can use a regular non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet to make this delicious okra fry recipe.
Q4. What is the best way to chop bhindi for this recipe?
Ans: Chop the bhindi into small, round slices. This helps it cook quickly and evenly on the griddle.
Also Read – Mind-Blowing Brinjal Recipe (Vangyachi Bhaji)

Easy Tawa Bhindi Recipe: A Quick & Delicious Okra Fry
Ingredients
- 300 g Bhendi / Okra washed and chopped
- Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- Curry Leaves
- 1 tbsp Green Chilli, Garlic Cloves Paste
- 1 Medium Onion Chopped
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 Small Tomato Chopped
- Salt to taste
- Coriander Leaves Chopped, with tender stems
- Lemon Juice Optional, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Tawa and Temper: Heat an iron tawa (griddle) and add oil. Once it's hot, add mustard seeds and let them crackle, then add cumin seeds and curry leaves.
- Saute the Aromatics: Add the crushed green chilli and garlic paste, and saute for a minute. Next, add the chopped onion and saute on medium heat until slightly cooked.
- Add Spices and Vegetables: Add turmeric powder and mix well. If you're using asafoetida, add it now. Then, add the chopped tomato and saute for another minute.
- Season the Mixture: Add salt to taste and then mix in the chopped coriander leaves.
- Cook the Bhindi: Add the chopped bhindi to the tawa and mix everything thoroughly on medium heat.
- Steam and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the tawa with a lid, and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the steam to cook the bhindi.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and stir. Continue to cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Tawa Bhindi (Okra Fry) is tender and cooked through.