Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to add some zing to your dinner table? Look no further! This recipe for Indian green beans is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect complement to any Indian main course, or even a simple grilled chicken or fish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe will become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights – a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prep the Green Beans: Wash and trim the green beans. You can either snap off the ends or use a knife. For a quicker cooking time, you can halve or even third the beans lengthwise, depending on their thickness.
-
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor for this delicious dish.
-
Bloom the Spices: Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This process, called blooming, releases the full flavor of the spices.
-
Cook the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the pan and stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Add a pinch of salt. Pour in about 1/4 cup of water, cover the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Finish and Serve: Once the green beans are cooked, remove the lid and stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Serve hot as a delightful side dish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Indian Green Beans:
- Don't overcook the green beans! They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder. Or, if you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variations:
- Garlic and Ginger Lovers: Double the amount of garlic and ginger for an extra punch of flavor.
- Creamy Green Beans: Stir in a dollop of plain yogurt or coconut milk at the end for a creamier texture.
- Spiced with Garam Masala: Add 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala along with the other spices for a more complex flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 4-5 grams
This recipe offers a healthy and delicious meal option perfect for those looking for healthy meals and easy recipes. The use of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques makes this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful side dish, and impress your family and friends with your homemade cooking skills! This is certainly one of the best recipes you can easily prepare.