French Beans Recipe – Quick Indian Style Stir-Fry with Turmeric

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

French Beans Recipe – Quick Indian Style Stir-Fry with Turmeric

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a super simple, flavorful side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, you have to try this French beans recipe. It’s a staple in my kitchen – quick enough for a weeknight, and tasty enough to impress. I first made this when I was just starting to experiment with Indian cooking, and it quickly became a go-to. It’s healthy, vibrant, and honestly, just feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French beans stir-fry (or sabzi, as we call it) is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to Indian cuisine. The turmeric gives it a beautiful color and a lovely earthy flavor, and the simple tempering adds a wonderful aromatic kick. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get your veggies in! It’s a perfect side dish with roti, rice, or even as part of a larger Indian thali.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious French beans recipe:

• 0.5 kg French Beans (about 1.1 lbs)
• 1 medium Onion
• 1 tbsp Red chilli powder
• 0.25 tbsp Turmeric powder (about 1.25 ml)
• Salt to taste
• 0.5 tbsp Mustard seeds (about 7.5 ml)
• 0.5 tbsp Cumin seeds (about 7.5 ml)
• 1 Dry red chilli
• 5-6 Curry leaves
• Oil as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Turmeric: Don’t skip the turmeric! It’s not just for color; it has amazing health benefits and adds a unique flavor. It’s a cornerstone of Indian cooking.
• Tempering Spices: The mustard and cumin seeds are key to that classic Indian flavor. Some families also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering for extra depth – totally optional, but worth trying if you have it!
• French Beans: In India, we often use the flat, broad French beans. But any variety works well – just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve used both the thin and broad varieties, and both are delicious.
• Chillies: Feel free to adjust the number of dry red chillies based on your spice preference.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash and trim the French beans. You can cut them into 1-2 inch pieces – whatever size you prefer.
2. Now, let’s pressure cook the beans with the turmeric powder and salt. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Usually 1-2 whistles on medium heat is enough. Once the pressure releases, set aside.
3. Heat a generous amount of oil in a kadai or a deep pan. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. Wait for them to splutter – that’s when the flavor really starts to develop!
4. Next, add the cumin seeds and dry red chilli. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.
5. Now, toss in the curry leaves. They’ll crisp up beautifully and release their amazing aroma. Be careful, they can splatter!
6. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and slightly golden brown.
7. Time to add the cooked French beans! Mix them well with the onions and spices.
8. Sprinkle in the red chilli powder and add a splash of water – just enough to help everything come together.
9. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Give it a good stir occasionally.
10. And that’s it! Your French beans stir-fry is ready to serve.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing the onions. This will ensure they brown nicely.
• Adjust the amount of red chilli powder to your liking.
• If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can boil the French beans until tender. It will take a bit longer, around 15-20 minutes.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan!
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red chilli powder. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chilli for a fresh kick.
• Quick Weeknight Version: Skip the pressure cooking and use pre-cut French beans. Just boil or steam them until tender.
• Using Different Beans: Feel free to substitute green beans or even snow peas for the French beans.

Serving Suggestions

This French beans recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic with:

• Roti or chapati (Indian flatbread)
• Steamed rice
• Dal (lentil soup)
• As part of a larger Indian thali (platter)

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

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for a lunchbox? Absolutely! It travels well and tastes great at room temperature.
• Can I use frozen French beans? Yes, you can! Just add them directly to the pan after sautéing the onions and cook until heated through.
• What is the best way to cut French beans for this recipe? I prefer to cut them into 1-2 inch pieces, but you can also leave them whole or cut them diagonally.
• Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry? Definitely! Potatoes, carrots, or peas would all be delicious additions.
• How can I adjust the salt level in this recipe? Start with a pinch of salt and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Enjoy this simple and delicious French beans recipe! I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!