The succulent Okra ‘Super Bhindi’

Despite being widely used in Asian restaurants across Europe, Okra is not widely grown, mainly because suitable varieties have not been available for glasshouse or plastic tunnel production. Testing in multiple Northern Europe locations has shown Burpee Europe‘s new ‘Super Bhindi’ to be an excellent performer.

A double whammy of okra and flowers!

The medium vigorous, well-branched plants grow to 1.5m and produce a prolific crop of deep green fruit that are best harvested when 7-10cm long (between July and October) to ensure the most succulent, tender texture. ‘Super Bhindi’s hibiscus-like flowers bring a touch of early morning exotic to any greenhouse.

 

How To Grow Okra ‘Super Bhindi’ Sow early spring onwards 15-30 deg C in single pots Plant out June onwards at 45cm apart provide climbing support

 

How Was Okra ‘Super Bhindi’ Created ?

The variety was developed by Burpee Europe’s breeding team in Bangalore and was shown to be the best branched and most compact variety in the 2017 trials. After testing ‘Super Bhindi’ in unheated greenhouses in The Netherlands and UK in 2018, it was decided to release the variety in the European market because of its excellent growth and adaptability under the trial conditions.

What’s Different About This Plant?

This stunning okra variety has been shown to grow well in a number of Northern European locations and is very prolific. It also has the added benefit of exotic looking blooms!

 

A Recipe for Okra ‘Super Bhindi’

But just how can you cook with Okra? Check out the recipe below devised by the chef Valerie Hamelin for a super tasty treat!

Creole Okra with Chicken & Prawns Recipe

Serves 3 to 4 people

Ingredients:

• 450g Chicken thighs – boneless & skinless
• 2 to 4tbsp of rapeseed oil
• ½ Pepper – ‘Mirch Masala’ or ‘Chiang Rai’ finely chopped
• 2 tsp Garlic – chopped
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 Medium onion – chopped
• 70g Celery – diced
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Fresh/ dry thyme
• 1 Sweet pepper – ‘Crispy’ – chopped
• 6 Tomatoes – Tomato – ‘Super Mama’ – chopped
• 200g Fresh okra – Okra – ‘Baby Bubba’ or ‘Super Bhindi’ – sliced
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 300 ml Chicken stock
• 150g Raw prawns
• ½ tsp Salt and pepper
• Creole spice mix:
• 2 ½tbsp Paprika
• 2 tbsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Onion powder
• 1 tbsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp Dried oregano
• 1 tbsp Dried thyme

Method:

1. Cut the chicken into small pieces and season with the Creole spice mix and marinade for 15 – 20 minutes (the longer the better).
2. Heat a saucepan with 1tbsp oil, add the chicken and sauté for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. In the same pan, add the onions, garlic, celery, jalapenos, bay leaf, thyme and paprika. Add more oil if needed then stir gently and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Once all the ingredients are all golden brown, add the tomatoes, cayenne pepper, peppers and the sealed chicken. Cook for a further 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the okra and add the stock. Season to taste
6. Stir occasionally and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Finally, stir in the prawns, cooking for a further 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through.

TIP:

The Okra is used as a thickening agent so your dish should be a lovely consistency.

To serve:

Serve with basmati and wild rice and finish with freshly chopped coriander. Enjoy with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio!

 

Where Can You Plant Okra ‘Super Bhindi’?

This okra can be planted as greenhouse culture (north) or as outdoor plants (south).

Where Can You Buy Okra ‘Super Bhindi’ seeds?

Nickys Nursery, Marshalls and Simply Seed.

 

About burpee europe

Our passion at Burpee Europe is to develop new tasty, disease resistant vegetables and also stunning flowers for use by home gardeners around the world and to encourage the cultivation of gardens by individuals and communities. We see our mission as not only the introduction of new and improved varieties but also the communication of the benefits, both physical and mental, of gardening.

Our seeds are sold through a selection of the top seed companies in the UK and have won numerous awards including those from the Royal Horticultural Society.