Kothavarangai Varuval, Cluster bean stir fry, Gawaar recipe

Kothavarangai Varuval, Cluster bean stir fry, Gawaar recipe

Kothavarangai Varuval, Cluster bean stir fry, Gawaar recipe

Kothavarangai is known as cluster beans in English and Gawaar in Hindi. It has similar shape as that of normal beans with a slightly thinner size. From ancient times, these indigenous beans variety is regarded as a rich source of proteins and fibre. Kothavarangai Varuval or stir fried cluster beans is one of a popular recipe from Tamil Nadu cuisine and is served as a side dish for rice. Like green beans, these are generally cooked to retain its crispy flavour. Apart from this stir fried dish, cluster beans are also used as a vegetable ingredient in Sambar preparation. As it is an easy recipe which can be prepared within 30 minutes, it has its usual presence as a Lunch box recipe. Have a look at the list of ingredients used and the method of preparation of Kothavarangai Varuval, Cluster bean stir fry.

Ingredients Used

  • ¼ kg of Cluster Beans / Kothavarngai
  • 1 medium sized Onion (chopped to small pieces)
  • ½ teaspoon of Mustard seeds / Kadugu
  • ½ teaspoon of Urad dal / Uluntham paruppu
  • A sprig of Curry Leaves
  • A pinch of Asafoetida / Perungayam
  • ¼ teaspoon of Turmeric Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Chilli Powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Oil
  • 2 tablespoon of freshly grated/ shredded coconut
  • Salt as per the taste
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Method of preparation

  • Wash the cluster beans or Kothavarngai 2-3 times in clean water.
  • Use a sharp knife and slice each of these cluster beans to small pieces.
  • Now, heat some oil in a deep frying pan or Kadai and add the mustard seeds.
  • Once the seeds splutter, add the curry leaves and asafoetida and stir fry it for few minutes.
  • Add the chopped onion pieces and some salt, stir fry it to a light golden brown texture.
  • Now, add the sliced Cluster beans, turmeric powder and chilli powder.
  • Also, pour in some water and close the lid of the pan. This would help to cook the ingredients. (In between, stir the ingredients with a spoon at regular intervals.)
  • Once the beans attain some tenderness, add the shredded coconut pieces and mix it well. Cook it for few minutes.
  • When it is ready, switch off the flame and transfer it to a bowl.
  • Serve it a side dish for rice, curd rice, Sambar sadam etc