Authentic Indian Beans & Carrot Recipe – Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Indian Beans & Carrot Recipe – Easy Vegetable Stir-Fry

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and healthy Indian side dish, you’ve come to the right place. This beans and carrot stir-fry (or sabzi, as we call it at home) is a staple in many Indian kitchens, and for good reason. It’s quick to make, packed with nutrients, and tastes absolutely delicious with roti, rice, or even as part of a larger thali. I first made this when I was just starting to learn to cook, and it quickly became a go-to because it’s so forgiving and always turns out great!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. It comes together in under 30 minutes, and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get your daily dose of veggies! It’s also incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, and it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful beans and carrot stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 0.75 cup onions, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green chili, chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 0.75 cup tomato, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.125 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 250 grams green beans, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 0.25-0.5 teaspoon garam masala
• 0.25-0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to really elevate this dish:

Mustard Seeds: Regional Variations & Flavor Profile

Mustard seeds are a cornerstone of South Indian cooking, and they add a lovely pop and nutty flavor when tempered in hot oil. Black mustard seeds are most common, but you might find yellow or brown varieties too. They all work beautifully!

Cumin Seeds: The Importance of Freshness

Cumin seeds have a warm, earthy flavor. For the best aroma and taste, try to use whole cumin seeds and dry roast them lightly before using. This really wakes up their flavor!

Garam Masala: Building Your Own Blend vs. Store-Bought

Garam masala is a blend of warming spices, and every family has their own version. Store-bought is perfectly fine, but if you’re feeling ambitious, making your own allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.

Turmeric: Health Benefits & Color Impact

Turmeric isn’t just about color and flavor; it’s also incredibly good for you! It has anti-inflammatory properties and adds a beautiful golden hue to the dish.

Green Beans & Carrots: Choosing the Freshest Produce

Look for firm, bright green beans and carrots that are crisp to the touch. The fresher the produce, the better the flavor!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Start with the Tempering: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard and cumin seeds. Let them splutter – this is important for releasing their flavors!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and green chili to the pan. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Build the Base: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, salt, and turmeric powder. Cook until the tomatoes soften and break down, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Veggies: Add the chopped green beans and carrots to the pan. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, just to coat them in the spice mixture.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Sprinkle in the red chili powder and garam masala. Give everything a good mix, then cover the pan and let it cook until the beans and carrots are tender. If it starts to dry out, add a splash of water – about ¼ cup should do the trick. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
6. Garnish & Serve: Once the vegetables are cooked through, garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with roti, rice, or your favorite Indian bread!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re making a larger batch, cook in stages to ensure the vegetables sauté properly.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and spice levels to your preference.
• A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check your garam masala doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Spicy: Reduce or omit the green chili and red chili powder for a milder flavor. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Quick Weeknight Version: Use pre-cut vegetables to save time.
• Festival Adaptation: Adding to a Thali: This sabzi is a wonderful addition to a traditional Indian thali – a platter with a variety of dishes. It pairs especially well with dal (lentils) and rice.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This beans and carrot stir-fry is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with roti or paratha for a comforting meal.
• Enjoy with steamed rice and dal for a complete protein-packed meal.
• Add it to a thali with other Indian dishes.
• Pack it for a healthy lunch.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

What type of oil is best for this recipe?

You can use any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil. Mustard oil is also a great option if you enjoy its distinct flavor!

Can I use frozen green beans and carrots?

Yes, you can! Just be aware that frozen vegetables may release more water during cooking, so you might need to adjust the cooking time.

How can I adjust the heat level of this dish?

Reduce or omit the green chili and red chili powder for a milder flavor. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

What is the best way to store leftover beans and carrot stir-fry?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

You can chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time during cooking. However, it’s best to cook the stir-fry just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Is Garam Masala essential, or can I substitute it?

While garam masala adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with a blend of ground cumin, coriander, and cardamom if needed.