Spiced Green Beans with Coconut
Experience the vibrant flavors of South India with this Spiced Green Beans with Coconut dish. This delightful recipe showcases tender green beans enhanced by the rich, nutty flavor of desiccated coconut. While traditionally made with fresh coconut, using desiccated coconut offers a deliciously convenient alternative. Infused with aromatic spices such as cumin, ginger, and turmeric, this dish is a wonderful accompaniment to steamed rice or warm Indian bread, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference and enjoy a quick yet flavorful vegetarian dish that brings a taste of India to your dining table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
green beans
3 cups (frozen cut or fresh cut)
desiccated coconut
1 cup
onion
1/2 cup (finely sliced)
cumin seed
1/2 tablespoon
ginger
1/2 tablespoon (grated)
garlic
1/2 tablespoon (grated)
turmeric powder
1/2 tablespoon
green chili
1/2-1 tablespoon (chopped)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
1. If using frozen green beans, microwave them for about 8-10 minutes until they are lightly cooked. Fresh green beans should be trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2
2. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3
3. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and sauté for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
4
4. Add the finely sliced onions, grated ginger, grated garlic, and chopped green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
5
5. Stir in the lightly cooked green beans and mix well.
6
6. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and mix until the beans are evenly coated.
7
7. Add the desiccated coconut and salt to taste, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
8
8. Cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
9
9. Serve hot as a side dish alongside rice or Indian bread, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Green Beans with Coconut?
It is a vibrant South Indian dish featuring tender green beans enhanced by the rich, nutty flavor of desiccated coconut and aromatic spices.
Is this Spiced Green Beans recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is 100% vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This recipe is an example of South Indian cuisine.
Can I use fresh green beans for this recipe?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used; simply trim them and cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking.
How should I prepare frozen green beans?
If using frozen beans, microwave them for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly cooked before adding them to the skillet.
What spices are used in these green beans?
The recipe uses cumin seeds, grated ginger, grated garlic, turmeric powder, and green chilies.
What should I serve with Spiced Green Beans with Coconut?
This dish is a wonderful accompaniment to steamed rice or warm Indian breads like naan or roti.
Is this dish considered spicy?
The dish is tagged as spicy due to the green chilies, but you can adjust the amount of chili to suit your preference.
How much desiccated coconut is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of desiccated coconut.
What is the purpose of using desiccated coconut instead of fresh?
While traditional recipes use fresh coconut, desiccated coconut provides a deliciously convenient alternative while maintaining the nutty flavor.
How much oil is required for cooking?
You will need 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How many cups of green beans are used?
The recipe requires 3 cups of green beans, either frozen or fresh cut.
When should I add the cumin seeds?
Add the cumin seeds to the hot oil at the beginning and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
How should the onions be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of finely sliced onions.
What color should the onions be when sautéing?
The onions should be sautéed until they turn golden brown.
How do I prepare the ginger and garlic?
Both the ginger and garlic should be grated, using 1/2 tablespoon of each.
When do I add the turmeric powder?
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder after the green beans have been added to the skillet and mixed with the aromatics.
How long is the final cooking step?
After adding all ingredients, cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
How much cumin seed is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of cumin seeds.
How much turmeric powder is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder.
How many green chilies should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of chopped green chilies, depending on your heat tolerance.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
How should I season the dish?
You should add salt to taste during the final mixing stage.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It is primarily served as a side dish.
Can I substitute vegetable oil?
While vegetable oil is called for, you could use other neutral oils or coconut oil to enhance the coconut flavor.
How do I ensure the beans are evenly coated?
Mix well after adding the turmeric and the coconut to ensure all beans are covered in the spices.
Can I use fresh coconut?
Yes, fresh coconut is traditional for this dish and can be substituted for the desiccated version.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is nutty from the coconut, aromatic from the cumin and ginger, and has a slight kick from the chilies.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it hot immediately after the flavors have melded on the stove.