Have you heard of cluster beans? They are a flatter variety of French beans. In the Indian sub-continent, people use them commonly in vegetable and lentil (dal) preparations. A few people find them slightly bitter to taste but there is no denying that they are a great source of fiber, protein and other nutrients. I wasn’t a big fan of this vegetable when I was growing up, but I enjoy this bean occasionally now, especially when it is cooked this way.

Prepping Cluster Beans

As a result of how the bean is prepped, it is called Goru Chikkudukaya in Telugu language. Goru literally translates to nail. Using nails, each bean is snipped at the edge first and then snipped into small pieces, pulling out the string like side of the bean as you go along. The ‘string’ on the sides is tough and can get into the teeth. This is the one part of the recipe I do not really enjoy. My mom does this prep while she’s watching TV, so she has something to distract her!

Prepping Cluster Beans

Cluster Beans-Coconut-Ginger Sauté

As you would have figured out from the name of recipe, coconut and ginger are the key ingredients. I’ve probably said this before, but I’m always fascinated by how the ingredients are chosen for any recipe. I mean, why ginger and why not garlic?  Why coconut?! Whoever decided on these ingredients a long time ago, hats off to them! Coconut and ginger bring in the perfect flavor to complement this somewhat bitter tasting bean. Seasoning ingredients including curry leaves, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and so on, bring in the signature South Indian flavor.

Pan or Instant Pot? 

While I’ve cooked this dish in Instant Pot (IP) where beans are softened in the end, the traditional way is to steam the beans separately in a rice cooker (or a pressure cooker), drain the water and set them aside. They get added in the end, once the other ingredients are cooked and ready. Other than that, the process is very similar.

Don’t forget to check out some of our delicious sautéed veggie recipes:

• Carrot, Green Bean, Coconut Sauté
• Snake Gourd Coconut Sauté
• Broad Bean Eggplant Sauté
• Sautéed Asparagus
• Fresh Fenugreek Eggplant Sauté
• Easy Sautéed Green Beans
• Spicy Cilantro Ginger Eggplant Sauté
• Sautéed Asparagus
• Spine Gourd Sauté
• Sautéed Okra
• Easy Sautéed Tindora

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Cluster Beans-Coconut-Ginger Sauté

This delicious, high fiber and low-calorie cluster beans recipe is great for weight watchers! Enjoy with fresh methi parathas or as a taco filling.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Keyword cluster beans, Cumin, Curry Leaves, Fresh Coconut, Ginger, green chili pepper, Mustard Seeds, Saute, Spices, Vegetables,

Special Diet Gluten Free, Grain Free, No Added Sugar, Nut Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 People

Calories 130kcal

Ingredients

• 4 Cups Cluster Beans - Ends snipped, cut into small pieces
• 1 Tablespoon Ginger - Fresh
• 1/3 Cup Grated Coconut - Fresh
• 2 Peppers Green Chili Pepper - Medium size
• 1/3 Cup Onion - Fine cut
• 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• 1 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds
• 6 Leaves Curry Leaves
• 1 Tablespoon Urad Dal - (Split black gram)
• 1 Tablespoon Chana Dal - (Split chickpeas)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt - (Or to taste)
• 1 Tablespoon Rice Bran Oil

Instructions

• Snip beans, wash, cut, and set aside (check 'how-to video' at the bottom of this recipe).
  
• Blend fresh coconut, ginger and chili to a coarse mix.
  
• Set IP to 'sauté' mode, add oil and wait for the 'hot' sign to show up. 1. Add seasoning ingredients (curry leaves, cumin and mustard seeds, urad and chana dal) and let the mustard seeds crackle 2. Add onions, mix well and cook till they are slightly browned 3. Add the blended spice mix, salt and stir for a couple of minutes 4. Add cluster beans and mix well
  
• Put the lid on IP and set on 'steam' mode for 5 minutes. Once it's done, mix again.
  
• Transfer to a bowl and serve hot.
  

Video

Notes

Goes great with steamed brown rice and organic ghee or with Wholesome Methi (Fenugreek) Paratha.

*Use organic ingredients wherever possible

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Cluster Beans-Coconut-Ginger Sauté

Serving Size

 

240 g

Amount per Serving

Calories

130

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

7

g

11

%

Saturated Fat

 

5

g

31

%

Sodium

 

296

mg

13

%

Potassium

 

52

mg

1

%

Carbohydrates

 

33

g

11

%

Fiber

 

3

g

13

%

Sugar

 

1

g

1

%

Protein

 

10

g

20

%

Vitamin A

 

113

IU

2

%

Vitamin C

 

177

mg

215

%

Calcium

 

335

mg

34

%

Iron

 

4

mg

22

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.