Authentic Cluster Bean Recipe – Ginger-Chilli Indian Side Dish

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Cluster Bean Recipe – Ginger-Chilli Indian Side Dish

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – a simple yet incredibly flavorful cluster bean stir-fry. Growing up, my grandmother always made this, and the aroma of ginger, chilli, and coconut oil cooking together instantly takes me back to her kitchen. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavour, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cluster bean recipe (also known as gawar phali in Hindi) is a fantastic side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and is a wonderful way to add some variety to your Indian meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan! Honestly, it’s a winner for busy weeknights or when you just want something delicious and healthy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing cluster bean stir-fry:

• 2 cups Cluster beans (1 inch pieces) – about 200g
• ½ tsp Turmeric powder
• ½ cup Coriander leaves (loosely filled) – about 30g
• 1 inch Ginger
• 3 Green chillies
• As needed Salt
• 1 tbsp Coconut oil – about 15ml
• ½ tsp Mustard seeds
• 1 sprig Curry leaves

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things make this recipe special.

• Coconut Oil: Seriously, don’t skip the coconut oil! It adds a beautiful aroma and flavour that really elevates the dish. It’s traditional in South Indian cooking and makes all the difference.
• Regional Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the green chillies to your liking. Some regions in India prefer a milder flavour, while others like it fiery hot. I usually use 3 for a good kick, but you can reduce it to 1 or 2 if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Cluster Beans (Gawar Phali): These beans have a slightly unique, almost grassy flavour. They’re also wonderfully crunchy-tender when cooked just right. You can find them at most Indian grocery stores, and sometimes even at well-stocked supermarkets.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, we’re going to make a flavourful paste. Grind the coriander leaves, ginger, green chillies, and salt into a smooth paste using minimal water. You want it to be thick enough to coat the beans.
2. Now, cut the cluster beans into 1-inch pieces. Add them to a bowl and mix well with the green paste. Let this marinate for about 20 minutes – this really helps the flavours meld together.
3. Heat the coconut oil in a kadai (a wok-like pan) or a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. When they start to splutter, add the curry leaves.
4. Add the marinated cluster beans to the pan and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Sprinkle a little water (about ¼ cup) over the beans, cover the pan, and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still slightly crunchy. If the pan seems dry, add a little more oil.
6. And that’s it! Your delicious ginger-chilli cluster bean stir-fry is ready.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the beans! They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• If you don’t have a kadai, a large frying pan works perfectly fine.
• For a richer flavour, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) along with the mustard seeds.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan if you use coconut oil!
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder flavour, use only 1-2 green chillies or remove the seeds. For extra heat, add a pinch of red chilli powder.
• Regional Variations – Maharashtra Style: My friend Sunita, who’s from Maharashtra, adds a pinch of goda masala to this dish for a lovely aromatic flavour.
• Regional Variations – Karnataka Style: In Karnataka, they sometimes add a small piece of jaggery to balance the spice.
• Festival Adaptations – Onam/Ugadi Side Dish: This makes a lovely side dish for festive meals like Onam or Ugadi. It adds a fresh, vibrant element to the spread.

Serving Suggestions

This cluster bean stir-fry is incredibly versatile. Serve it hot as a side dish with:

• Steaming rice
• Roti or other Indian breads
• Dal and a simple curry
• 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:

• What are cluster beans and are they nutritious? Cluster beans, or gawar phali, are long, green beans with a slightly bumpy texture. They’re a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
• Can I use a different oil instead of coconut oil? While coconut oil is traditional and adds a unique flavour, you can use other vegetable oils like sunflower or canola oil if you prefer.
• How do I know when the cluster beans are perfectly cooked? They should be tender but still have a slight crunch. You don’t want them to be mushy.
• Can this dish be made ahead of time? You can marinate the beans ahead of time, but it’s best to cook them just before serving for the best texture.
• What other vegetables can I add to this recipe? You can add other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or peas for a more substantial dish.

Enjoy this recipe, and let me know what you think in the comments below! I hope it brings a little bit of my grandmother’s kitchen to your home.