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Bendi rezala, also known as Bhindi Rezala, is a delightful Indian dish made with okra (bendi or bhindi) cooked in a creamy and aromatic yogurt-based gravy. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this delicious dish at home:
Bendi Rezala Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Okra:
250 grams okra (bhindi), washed, dried, and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons oil
Salt, to taste
For the Rezala Gravy:
1 cup plain yogurt, whisked
2 tablespoons cashew nuts
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (khus khus)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies, slit
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2-3 green cardamom pods
1-inch cinnamon stick
4-5 cloves
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon white pepper powder
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoons ghee or oil
Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Okra:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan.
Add the cut okra pieces and sauté until they are cooked and slightly crispy. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Rezala Paste:
Soak the cashew nuts and poppy seeds in warm water for about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the water and grind them into a smooth paste using a little water if necessary. Set aside.
Prepare the Gravy:
Heat ghee or oil in a pan.
Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns golden brown.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for a few more minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Add the cashew-poppy seed paste and cook for a couple of minutes.
Lower the heat and add the whisked yogurt gradually, stirring continuously to prevent it from curdling.
Add white pepper powder, sugar, and salt to taste. Cook the mixture on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and the oil starts to separate.
Combine and Cook:
Add the sautéed okra to the gravy and mix gently to coat the okra pieces with the gravy.
Cover and cook on low heat for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.
Enjoy your delicious Bendi Rezala, a creamy and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with Indian bread or rice!