French Beans Potato Recipe – Authentic Indian Stir-Fry

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

French Beans Potato Recipe – Authentic Indian Stir-Fry

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s been a staple in my family for years – a simple yet incredibly flavorful French Beans Potato Stir-Fry. It’s the kind of dish my mom would whip up on busy weeknights, and honestly, it’s pure comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and packed with that classic Indian masala goodness. You’ll absolutely love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Beans and Potato recipe is more than just a quick stir-fry. It’s a taste of home, a vibrant mix of textures, and a fantastic way to get your veggies in. It’s perfect as a side dish with roti or rice, or even as a light meal on its own. Plus, it’s super adaptable – you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious stir-fry:

• 1/4 kg French Beans (about 250g)
• 2 Potatoes, medium-sized
• 1 Onion, medium-sized
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
• Pinch of Turmeric Powder
• Pinch of Roasted Methi (Fenugreek) Powder
• 1/2 tbsp Oil
• 3-4 Garlic Cloves
• 10-12 Curry Leaves
• Salt, to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

French Beans: Choosing the Best & Preparing Them

Look for firm, bright green French beans. Avoid any that are limp or have brown spots. I usually snap off the ends and then cut them into 1-2 inch pieces – it’s a bit of a chore, but worth it!

Potatoes: Varieties Suitable for Indian Cooking

For this recipe, I prefer using red potatoes or Yukon Gold. They hold their shape well during cooking. You can peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. I usually leave the skin on for extra nutrients and a rustic feel. Cut them into roughly 1/2 inch cubes.

Methi Powder: The Secret to Authentic Flavor

Don’t skip the methi powder! It adds a unique, slightly bitter flavor that’s so characteristic of Indian cooking. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online. A little goes a long way, so just a pinch is perfect.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s parboil the French beans. Pop them into a pot with a little salt and a pinch of turmeric. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then drain and set aside. This helps them cook evenly in the stir-fry.
2. Now, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and curry leaves. Sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. That aroma is amazing, isn’t it?
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent – about 5-6 minutes. Patience is key here; you want those onions nice and soft.
4. Time for the spices! Mix in the turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and methi powder. Add the potato cubes and a generous pinch of salt. Cover the pan and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add the parboiled French beans to the pan. Sprinkle in a little water (about 2-3 tablespoons), cover, and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the beans are tender-crisp.
6. Finally, uncover the pan and stir-fry on high heat for 2 minutes. This helps to enhance all those lovely flavors and gives the dish a nice, slightly charred texture. Give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving the Perfect Texture

Don’t overcook the beans! You want them to have a slight bite. Parboiling them first helps to ensure they cook evenly without becoming mushy.

Balancing the Spice Levels

Feel free to adjust the amount of red chilli powder to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1/2 tsp and add more as needed.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your oil doesn’t contain any animal products.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Use 1/2 tsp red chilli powder or omit it altogether.
• Medium: Use 1 tsp red chilli powder (as per the recipe).
• Hot: Add 1/2 – 1 tsp of Kashmiri chilli powder for color and extra heat.

Festival Adaptation (Janmashtami/Navratri Friendly)

This dish is perfect for Janmashtami or Navratri as it doesn’t use onion or garlic (you can omit them if following strict fasting rules).

Serving Suggestions

This French Beans Potato Stir-Fry is incredibly versatile. Serve it with:

• Roti or Paratha
• Steamed Rice
• Dal (lentils)
• Yogurt (raita) for a cooling contrast

Storage Instructions

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

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What type of oil is best for this stir-fry?

I usually use vegetable oil or sunflower oil, but you can also use mustard oil for a more authentic flavor.

Can I use frozen french beans in this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just add them directly to the pan with the potatoes, as they’ll take less time to cook.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of red chilli powder, or omit it altogether. You can also add a dollop of yogurt to each serving to cool things down.

What is methi powder and where can I find it?

Methi powder is made from dried fenugreek leaves. It has a slightly bitter, unique flavor. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Can this be made ahead of time?

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

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!