Spicy green cluster beans taste even better with a dash of coconut and traditional spices and condiments. ‘Kothavarangai’ is the Tamil word for cluster beans or Gavar, as it is commonly known in Hindi. A very common household name, the vegetable is relished with rice or chapatti across the country. Make it the traditional South Indian way, though, and you’ll experience a very different side to this amazing delicacy. Here’s Kothavarangai Poriyal, straight from Tamil Nadu!
Health Benefits
Cluster beans are highly beneficial for the digestive system as they have a high dietary fiber content. They are low in calorie and fat content but are extremely rich in calcium and phosphorus which help in boosting the functionality of the immune system as a whole. It is a great option for those who are on a diet and are working to lose weight!
Ingredients
200 grams cluster beans - chopped
green chillies
1/8 tsp turmeric powder
3 tbsp coconut- grated
salt as per taste
2 tsp oil
1 tsp mustard
¾ tsp urad dal
a pinch of hing
curry leaves
How To Make Kothavarangai Poriyal Recipe
- Cut the top and bottom ends of the cluster beans and then chop them into roughly 1 cm pieces.
- Heat oil in a pan over a medium-high Add mustard seeds to the oil. When the seeds start to crackle, add the dal along with red chillies, hing, and the slit green chilies. Depending on how spicy you want your dish to be, you can add 1-3 slit green chillies. Sauté the spices till the dal becomes golden brown.
- Add in the beans with turmeric and a pinch of salt when the dal has been fried and stir well. Sprinkle some water over the beans and stir them well. Cook covered on a medium flame. Occasionally check the beans and stir them. If the water has evaporated completely, you can add some more.
- Introduce the coconut after the beans have tenderized. Stir well, turn off the flame, and serve as a side dish with sambar rice or curd rice.
Trivia
‘Kothavarangai’ is extremely popular in Tamil households. Cluster beans are one of the staple foods in the southern part of India, especially around the regions of Tamil Nadu and Kanyakumari.