FRENCH BEANS STIR FRY

FRENCH BEANS STIR FRY

French Beans, which are most commonly available , are called Huralikayi in Kannada, and Farasbi in Marathi. I use them in my cooking fairly often. Elsewhere in this blog you will find recipes for Farasbi chi Sabzi, from Maharashtrian cuisine, our Konkani Beans Talasani,  and French Beans and Garlic made in the Indian-Chinese style.

Sometimes the simplest of dishes turn out to be the best! Today's recipe is for an easy to make stir fry which we call Beansa Upkari in Konkani. This is made with French beans. 

I give this dish a twist by using Sambar Powder which adds to the flavour. 

Tip : for best results, choose tender French Beans. If they are not tender they could become chewy.

Ingredients:

• French Beans, 250 gms
• Mustard Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Bengal Gram (Channa Dal), 1 tsp
• Black Gram Dal (Urad Dal),  1 tsp
• Asafoetida, (Hing) 1/8 tsp
• Red Chilli, broken into half, 1
• Curry Leaves, a few
• Sambar Powder, 1 tsp, or to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, 2-3 tsp
• Fresh Coconut Gratings, 2 tbsp

Method:

Wash and de-string the French beans and snip off the two ends. Chop the beans and keep aside.

In a thick bottomed kadhai heat oil and when it gets hot add mustard seeds on medium heat

When they splutter, add channa dal and urad dal and saute till the dals change colour

Add the asafoetida, broken red chilli, and curry leaves and saute for a few seconds

To this add the chopped beans, salt to taste,  and 1/4 cup of water and cook covered on medium heat stirring from time to time till the beans get done 

Add sambar powder and mix well and cook for a minute more
Finally add fresh coconut gratings
Transfer to serving bowl and serve hot as a side dish