BEANS / AVARAKKA THORAN

Beans or Avarakka 'thoran' is a part of most feasts as well as day-to-day meals. The recipe is identical for both.
Serves 4

Ingredients -

Beans/avarakka – 400 gms.

Tuvar dal - 1 1/2 tbsp (pressure-cooked in minimum water with salt)

Grated coconut – 2-3 tbsp

Oil – 2 tsp

Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

Urad dal – 1 tsp

Whole red chilli – 1” piece

Turmeric powder – a pinch

Salt to taste

Sugar – ½ tsp (optional)

Curry leaves – 7

Green chilli – 1 (crushed)

Method -

Cut the beans in small pieces.

Wash and drain off water.

Heat a tsp of oil. Add mustard seeds and urad dal and red chilli piece. When they splutter, add the chopped beans, a pinch of turmeric, salt and sugar. Stir well.

Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes.

Stir again and sprinkle water if required and cook covered for 2 minutes more if required.

Cook on low heat without lid till it is cooked and water has evaporated.

Add the cooked dal and grated coconut and mix well.

Leave uncovered.

After 10 minutes add curry leaves and crushed green chilli.

Tips

Addition of sugar and leaving the cooked vegetable uncovered are to retain the fresh green color.

Adding the green chilli and curry leaves after 10 minutes also helps in retaining the color of the additives.

Agreed, it's a little extra trouble but worth it - I feel!

© Copyright 2011. Brinda Balasubramonian.