Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

French Beans Recipe – Coconut Oil & Curry Leaves Indian Stir-Fry

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a simple yet incredibly flavorful French beans stir-fry that’s a staple in many South Indian kitchens. It’s the kind of dish my grandmother used to make, and the aroma of coconut oil and curry leaves instantly transports me back to her kitchen. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with goodness – perfect for a weeknight side dish or a flavorful addition to your lunchbox.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French beans recipe isn’t just about a quick stir-fry; it’s about experiencing a burst of South Indian flavors. The combination of coconut oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and fresh coconut is simply divine. It’s a healthy, vegetarian dish that’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

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

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 0.5 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 6-7 pearl onions (sambar onions)
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 1 green chili
• 10-11 curry leaves
• 0.25 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 250 grams French beans (green beans)
• 0.5 cup grated fresh coconut
• 0.33 cup water (approximately 80ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best flavor!

Coconut Oil: Choosing the Right Kind

Coconut oil is essential for that authentic South Indian taste. I prefer using virgin coconut oil for its lovely aroma and health benefits. You can find it easily in most supermarkets now.

Pearl Onions (Sambar Onions): A South Indian Specialty

Pearl onions, also known as sambar onions, are small, sweet onions commonly used in South Indian cooking. They add a unique flavor and texture to the dish. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with small shallots, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Curry Leaves: Fresh vs. Dried & Their Aroma

Fresh curry leaves are the way to go if you can get your hands on them! They have an incredible aroma that really elevates the dish. If you must use dried, use about half the amount, as the flavor isn’t as potent. I grow a small curry leaf plant in my kitchen just for recipes like this!

Grated Coconut: Fresh vs. Dried – Which to Use?

Freshly grated coconut is best, hands down. It adds a wonderful sweetness and texture. However, if fresh isn’t available, you can use unsweetened desiccated coconut. Just remember that the flavor will be slightly different.

Regional Variations in French Bean Recipes

French beans are incredibly versatile! In some parts of Tamil Nadu, they add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) along with the mustard seeds. My friend’s mom in Kerala likes to add a small piece of jaggery for a touch of sweetness. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse and finely chop the French beans, discarding the ends.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle – this is important for releasing their flavor!
3. Next, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then, add the pearl onions and sauté until they become translucent.
4. Now, stir in the chopped garlic, green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn!
5. Add the chopped French beans, grated coconut, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix everything well to combine.
6. Pour in the water, cover the pan, and cook on low heat until the beans are tender – about 10-15 minutes. Add a little more water if needed to prevent sticking.
7. Finally, remove the lid and cook uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate any excess moisture. This will give the beans a nice, slightly dry texture. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh coconut and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a large batch, cook the beans in two batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
• For a more intense flavor, lightly roast the grated coconut before adding it to the pan.

Variations

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just ensure your coconut oil is purely coconut oil and doesn’t contain any dairy derivatives.

Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Spicy

Adjust the amount of green chili to your liking. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor, or add another chili for extra heat.

Festival Adaptation: Adding to a South Indian Sadya

This French beans stir-fry is a wonderful addition to a traditional South Indian Sadya (vegetarian feast). It complements the other dishes beautifully.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This French beans stir-fry is delicious served as a side dish with rice, roti, or dosa. It also makes a great addition to a South Indian thali. I love it with a simple dal and some papadums.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

FAQs

What type of beans can I use if I don’t have French beans?

You can substitute with green beans or runner beans, but the cooking time might vary slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can chop the vegetables ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How can I adjust the saltiness of the recipe?

Start with a smaller amount of salt and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

What is the best way to grate fresh coconut?

A traditional coconut scraper is ideal, but a food processor with a grating attachment works well too. Be careful not to over-process it into a paste.

Can I use a different oil instead of coconut oil?

While coconut oil is traditional and adds a unique flavor, you can use vegetable oil or sunflower oil as a substitute. However, the taste will be different.