Green Beans with Coconut
BARBATTI NARIYAL SABJI
-Recipe from Yamuna mataji
There are innumerable popular green bean and coconut variations in
Hyderabad’s Vaishnava kitchens, this one from the home of S.K.Sethi.
The contrast of bright green beans against snow-white coconut speckled
with black mustard seeds and reddish urad dal makes this an attractive
yet simple dish. For extra protein, if you do not have urad dal, use 3
table spoons (45 ml) of chopped peanuts. You can steam the beans ahead
of time and assemble the dish just prior to serving.
Preparation time (after assembling ingredients): 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4or 5
1 table spoon (15 ml) each chana dal and raw rice
2 minced seeded hot green chilies (or as desired)
3 table spoons (45 ml) water
5 table spoons (75 ml) ghee or sesame oil
1 table spoon (15 ml) split urad dal or 3 table spoons (45 ml) chopped peanuts or almonds
1 teaspoon (5 ml) black mustard seeds
8-10 curry leaves, if available
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) yellow asafetida powder (hing)
1 pound (455 g) green beans, trimmed and cut into ¼ -inch (6 mm) pieces and steamed until nearly tender
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
1/8 teaspoon (0.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (85 g) grated or defrosted frozen coconut (140 g)
3 table spoons (45 ml) chopped fresh dill, fennel or coriander
This amount applies only to yellow Cobra brand. Reduce any other asafetida by three-fourths.
1.
Grind the dal and rice in a spice mill until powdered. Transfer to a
bowl and stir in the green chilies and water. Mix well. Heat the ghee
or oil in a large heavy-bottomed nonstick frying pan over moderate
heat. When it is hot but not smoking, add the urad dal, peanuts or
almonds and fry for 15 seconds or until they begin to turn light brown.
Follow with the mustard seeds and fry until they gray and pop. Drop in
the curry leaves and asafetida and seconds later, pour in the dal-rice
mixture. Cook until the mixture is dry, then follow with the green
beans, salt and pepper. Sauté, shaking the pan, until the beans are
heated through, adding the coconut and fresh herb at the last moment.
Toss to mix.