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    Home » Recipes » Dinner » Indian

    3rd August 2021 Indian

    Home » Recipes » Dinner » Indian

    Okra Fries

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    I first came across Okra Fries (Indian Okra Pakora Fries) via the book Prashad. As soon as I saw them, I knew they were destined to end up in my mouth.  

    In this recipe, Okra is deep fried until golden and crispy in a pakora batter making for the most delicious  snack, starter, or side dish. 

    Okra Fries in batter in blue bowl

     

    Indian Okra Fries

    This is an Indian recipe that is popular as a starter or snack in restaurants and with good reason. Okra Fries are crispy, golden and addictive because they are loaded full of aromatic Indian spice.

    Okra Fries Ingredients

    Chickpea flour

    Also known as gram flour and besan. This is made from dried chickpeas and is used in all pakora batters. It adds the earthy nutty flavour that is common with pakora recipes.

    Corn Flour

    Thickens the batter but adds a lightness to the overall texture of the Fries.

    Chilli powder 

    This is just red ground chillies.

    Cumin and Coriander Powder

    These 2 work together to add warmth and flavour.

    Turmeric powder 

    Adds a beautifully warm, golden colour to the fries.

    Milk and Lemon Juice

    These work together to create Buttermilk. You can just replace with Buttermilk if you prefer.

    Water

    As much or as little is needed to create a batter.

    Okra

    The star of the show!

    Salt

    To taste.

    Amchur

    This is Mango Powder. It adds a slight tang.

    Fenugreek

    This adds earthiness. 

    Oil

    For deep frying.

    To Shallow Fry

    Just dollop batter into a pan with 1 cm of hot oil.  

    Cook on medium high until golden on each side (about 2-3 minutes). 

    If you prefer to bake Okra 

    After prepping, add Okra to a large bowl and separate.
     
    Add in all the spices, salt, chickpea flour and corn flour.
     
    Sprinkle in1 tbsp Oil and mix in.
     
    Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. 
     
    Add in milk, lemon juice and water, just a little bit at a time so that you get a batter.  
     
    Add Okra to a lined baking tray.
     
    Bake at 205 degrees for 15 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You can brush them with oil midway. 

    Top tips for Okra Fries

    Okra shrinks when roasted, so you may want to make more.

    Okra has to be serve immediately otherwise it loses it's crispness.

    To check if the oil is hot, drop bit of batter in to the oil and it should start sizzling straight away and rise to the top.

    Don't be tempted to crowd the wok/pot/pan! It will lower the oil temperature too much and then you ed up with soggy pakoras that absorb loads of oil like mini sponges.

    Keep cooked fries warm in a low oven (80°C) on a rack set over a tray but this shouldn't be necessary if you eat them fast enough.

    Storage

    Okra Fries are best eastern fresh but they can be stored.

    Batter - The batter can be made up to 2 days ahead but it will be watery and will need whisking together before using.

    Leftovers

    Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Freeze for 3 months in an airtight container.

    Reheat in a 180°C oven on a rack set over a tray for 12 to 15 minutes until hot and crispy.

    Other Vegetables you can add or use

    The great thing about any Pakora Batter is that you can use most vegetables with it. You can try:

    Cauliflower - Finely chopped.

    Potato -  Cut into thin slices. 

    Red or White Onion - Sliced into rings or half moons.

    Carrots - Julienned or grated

    Broccoli – Chopped fine.

    Spinach or Cabbage – Finely chopped (squeeze out excess liquid).

    Chillies - Keep them whole.

    Root vegetables – Grated,

    Corn– Tinned or thawed from frozen.

    Aubergine - Cut into rounds.

    How to make Okra Fries

    PART 1: PREPARING THE OKRA

    1. Wash the okra in cold water and then dry thoroughly with a towel.

    2. You can then leave it out to air dry for a number of hours or overnight. This is an optional step.

    3. Chop off tip and then cut into half horizontally and then into thick strips.

    Okra cut into strips

    PART 2: FRIES BATTER AND FRYING

    These are deep fried so you get the crunchy scraggly bits.

    Batter

    Make the batter by mixing together the chickpea flour, corn flour and dry spices with milk, lemon juice and water.

    Dry batter ingredients in bowl

    You can add more water to thin it out at this stage or more gram flour to thicken if you like.

    Add vegetables

    Stir through the Okra.

    Okra in batter in bowl

    Fry

    Once the oil is hot, drop a piece of Okra covered in batter into the oil. I use my hands to do this. 

    Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they are a deep golden and crispy on the outside. 

    Drain

    On paper towels and continue cooking the remainder.

    Sauces for Pakora

    Okra Fries are usually served with a sauce. Some like Ketchup. I HATE IT. So I prefer to go for something like:

    Yoghurt and Mint Sauce 

    Combine 1/4 handful Coriander leaves/stems with 1/4 handful Mint leaves, 1 Chilli, 1 cup Natural Plain Yoghurt, 1/4 tsp Cumin Powder, 1/4 tsp Sugar, Salt and 2-3 tbsp Water in a Blender and blend till smooth. 

    Notes

    Calories are based on the assumption that each pakora is absorbing roughly 1/2 tsp oil.

    more vegetarian snack recipes you may like:

    Aloo Pakora

    Pani Puri Recipe

    Aloo Tikki Chaat

    Lemon Aloo Tikki

    Papdi

    Samosa Chaat

    **if you make something from  tiffin and tea, i would love to see your creations! don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below! we love to hear from you. safira x

    Okra Fries in batter in blue bowl
    5 from 2 votes
    Print

    Okra Fries

    In this recipe, Okra is deep fried until golden and crispy in a pakora batter making for the most delicious  snack, starter, or side dish. 

    Course Appetizer, Lunch/Snack, Snack, Starters
    Cuisine Indian
    Keyword Bhinda Fries, Bhindi Fries, Indian OKra, Okra and Chicken, Okra Fries
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 10 Okra
    Calories 70 kcal
    Author Safira

    Ingredients

    • 250 g Okra
    • 30 g Gram Flour
    • 30 g Corn Flour
    • 1 ½ tsp Amchur
    • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
    • 1/4 tsp Red Chilli Powder
    • 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
    • ¾ - 1 tsp Salt
    • Pinch Dry Fenugreek
    • 250 ml Milk
    • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
    • 3 - 4 tbsp Water
    • Oil to deep fry

    Instructions

    1. Wash the okra in cold water and then dry thoroughly with a towel. You can then leave it out to air dry for a number of hours or overnight. This is an optional step. Chop off tip and then cut into half horizontally and then into thick strips.

    2. Make the batter by mixing together the chickpea flour, corn flour and ground spices with salt, milk, lemon juice and water. You can add more water to thin it out at this stage or more gram flour to thicken if you like.

    3. Stir through the Okra.

    4. Once the oil is hot, drop a piece of Okra covered in batter into the oil. I use my hands to do this. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they are a deep golden and crispy on the outside. 

    5. Drain on paper towels and continue cooking the remainder.

    Recipe Notes

    To Shallow Fry

    Just dollop batter into a pan with 1 cm of hot oil.  

    Cook on medium high until golden on each side (about 2-3 minutes). 

    If you prefer to bake Okra 

    After prepping, add Okra to a large bowl and separate.
     
    Add in all the spices, salt, chickpea flour and corn flour.
     
    Sprinkle in1 tbsp Oil and mix in.
     
    Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. 
     
    Add in milk, lemon juice and water, just a little bit at a time so that you get a batter.  
     
    Add Okra to a lined baking tray.
     
    Bake at 205 degrees for 15 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You can brush them with oil midway. 

    Top tips for Okra Fries

    Okra shrinks when roasted, so you may want to make more.

    Okra has to be serve immediately otherwise it loses it's crispness.

    To check if the oil is hot, drop bit of batter in to the oil and it should start sizzling straight away and rise to the top.

    Don't be tempted to crowd the wok/pot/pan! It will lower the oil temperature too much and then you ed up with soggy pakoras that absorb loads of oil like mini sponges.

    Keep cooked fries warm in a low oven (80°C) on a rack set over a tray but this shouldn't be necessary if you eat them fast enough.

    Storage

    Okra Fries are best eastern fresh but they can be stored.

    Batter - The batter can be made up to 2 days ahead but it will be watery and will need whisking together before using.

    Leftovers

    Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Freeze for 3 months in an airtight container.

    Reheat in a 180°C oven on a rack set over a tray for 12 to 15 minutes until hot and crispy.

     

    Sauces for Pakora

    Okra Fries are usually served with a sauce. Some like Ketchup. I HATE IT. So I prefer to go for something like:

    Yoghurt and Mint Sauce 

    Combine 1/4 handful Coriander leaves/stems with 1/4 handful Mint leaves, 1 Chilli, 1 cup Natural Plain Yoghurt, 1/4 tsp Cumin Powder, 1/4 tsp Sugar, Salt and 2-3 tbsp Water in a Blender and blend till smooth. 

    Nutrition

    Calories are based on the assumption that each pakora is absorbing roughly 1/2 tsp oil.

    Nutrition Facts
    Okra Fries
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 70 Calories from Fat 27
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 3g5%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 2g
    Cholesterol 3mg1%
    Sodium 423mg18%
    Potassium 140mg4%
    Carbohydrates 8g3%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 2g2%
    Protein 2g4%
    Vitamin A 223IU4%
    Vitamin C 6mg7%
    Calcium 53mg5%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    1. Sarah Baumeister says

      August 16, 2021 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      These sound so tasty! And your pictures are so pretty and simple.

      Reply
      • Safira says

        August 16, 2021 at 5:40 pm

        Thank you so much. They are great. 🙂 x

        Reply

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