Gwar fali ki sabji is a testament to Rajasthani culinary expertise, showcasing the state's ability to craft dishes rich in flavour and tradition. This sabji highlights the hearty taste of cluster beans (gwar), which are cooked with a blend of spices that embody the essence of Rajasthani cuisine. Often overlooked, cluster beans are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, dietary fibre, and essential vitamins, making them an ideal choice for a wholesome meal. The dish is not only easy to prepare and suitable for cooks of all skill levels, but the carefully selected spices also enhance its flavour while preserving the beans' vibrant colour and nutrients.
Ingredients
- 250 g of chopped and cleaned cluster beans (Gwar).
- 2 teaspoons of cooking oil, ideally mustard.
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds.
- 1 onion, cut thoroughly.
- 2-3 green chillies.
- 1 teaspoon of paste made of ginger and garlic.
- Chopped one medium tomato.
- 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric.
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder.
- 1 teaspoon powdered coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala.
- Add salt to taste.
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- A little pinch of Hing (asafoetida).
Step-By-Step Cooking Process
Preparing The Cluster Beans
Start by thoroughly rinsing the cluster beans under running water. Trim the ends and cut them into uniform, long pieces, which ensures even cooking and better absorption of the spices. If the beans seem too fibrous, consider parboiling them briefly before adding them to the main dish. This extra step significantly improves the texture, making the sabji more appealing to those unfamiliar with this vegetable.
Image Credit: Creative Commons
Also read: 5 Classic Rajasthani Delicacies You Must Try
Preparing The Sabji Base
Heat oil in a kadai over medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle to release their fragrance, setting the foundation for the sabji’s flavor. Next, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing), which enhances both the taste and digestion of the dish. Immediately toss in finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, allowing the natural sugars to caramelise and deepen the flavor. Afterward, stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears, further enriching the dish's flavour profile.
Adding Spices And Tomatoes
To the pan, add the coriander, red chilli, and turmeric powders. Give these spices a minute to sauté so their flavours can develop. Take care not to burn the spices because this might give the food a bitter flavour. Add the pureed tomatoes after that, and continue cooking until the masala begins to separate from the oil. This is an important step since it guarantees that the tomatoes' raw flavour is eliminated, leaving your sabji with a rich, tangy basis.
Cooking Of Cluster Beans
Make sure the chopped cluster beans are thoroughly coated with the spices by adding them to the masala base and mixing thoroughly. Taste-test and then add salt. With the pan covered, cook the sabji over low to medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then. Depending on how soft the beans are, the cooking time can change. Press a bean between your fingers to see whether it's done; it should be soft but still a bit crunchy. If necessary, you can deter the sabji from sticking to the pan by adding a little water.
Final Step
After the cluster beans are cooked to your preference, take off the lid and cook for a further two to three minutes to let any extra liquid drain out. If needed, adjust the seasoning by tasting it. Finally, a sprinkle of chopped fresh coriander not only gives the meal a herbal taste but also adds a touch of green.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Useful Tips:
- For the best flavour and texture, use fresh cluster beans.
- To get the right amount of spice, adjust the spices.
- Once the flavours have come together and the cluster beans are soft, simmer the curry.
- Gwar fali ki sabzi goes well with naan, rice, or roti.
Gwar Fali Ki Sabji, with its simple but tasty ingredients, is a lovely example of Rajasthani cooking skill. Savour the richness of cluster beans in every bite of this simple recipe that you like making!