Crunchy spiced nuggets of okra coated in breadcrumbs and coconut, served with a hot and spicy vegan mayo, that’s what. A sort of riff on coconut shrimp, but 100% plant based. In this recipe, I put the natural stickiness of okra to work. Magic because this is the stickiness of okra is one of the things people dislike about these firm green pods.
Ways to cook okra (bhindi)
Wait, do you call them Bhindi, okra, lady fingers or something else? I refer to them as bhindi or bhinda and often use all three terms interchangeably. Ultimately, I adore them in any way, shape or form, namely in dry curries. I, like many Indian families, often pair them with potatoes, onions and/or paneer.
Max out the slime!
Okra slime is one of the things we usually try to diminish in Indian dishes. Lemon juice and vinegar can suppress the stickiness of bhindi. But this recipe is an exception! Here we welcome the stickiness in lieu of eggs. Indeed, okra slime will create the most perfect “glue” to help crunchy panko breadcrumbs and coconut stick to our popcorn bhindi. Fry or bake for a delicious, golden snack. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop eating. Dip them in my Atomic Red Chilli Mayo for addictive heat!
How to prepare okra
Always wash and thoroughly dry okra before you begin your recipe. Be careful as the stems can have tiny, hair-like spikes on them. If you accidentally brush these with your fingers they can sting and itch. Be sure to dry them in a clean tea towel. Any moisture can make the okra extra sticky and while that’s not a huge deal for this recipe, it will make them more difficult to slice.
How to make Crispy Popcorn Bhindi Bites
Some things to remember when cooking Crispy Popcorn Bhindi Bites
Be careful not to cook the Popcorn Bhindi at too high a temperature or they will brown too quickly on the outside and the okra itself will remain raw inside. How to freeze the Bhindi for cooking later: Once all the okra nuggets have been coated in a double layer of breadcrumbs, freeze the entire tray, with all the nuggets in a single layer. Once completely frozen, pack into freezer-safe bags or containers to cook later. To cook the Bhindi from frozen: Deep fry or bake according to recipe instructions. Add 5 minutes onto bake time for frozen Popcorn Bhindi and 90 seconds on to fry time. I don’t recommend freezing cooked Popcorn Bhindi.
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If you like this, you’ll love my recipe for Maggi Noodles Chaat
Love Sanjana Follow these steps for perfect crispy Popcorn Bhindi!
Be careful not to cook the Popcorn Bhindi at too high a temperature or they will brown too quickly on the outside and the okra itself will remain raw inside. How to freeze the Bhindi for cooking later: Once all the okra nuggets have been coated in a double layer of breadcrumbs, freeze the entire tray, with all the nuggets in a single layer. Once completely frozen, pack into freezer-safe bags or containers to cook later. To cook the Bhindi from frozen: Deep fry or bake according to recipe instructions. Add 5 minutes onto bake time for frozen Popcorn Bhindi and 90 seconds on to fry time. I don’t recommend freezing cooked Popcorn Bhindi.
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