Crispy Amla Gawar Phali Sabzi (Rajasthani Style)
This Crispy Amla Gawar Phali Sabzi is a delightful vegetarian dish inspired by Rajasthani cuisine. Packed with the unique flavors of fresh amla (Indian gooseberry) and gawar (cluster beans), this dish is perfectly balanced with the crunch of the vegetables and the aromatic spices. It’s an ideal accompaniment for a simple meal, and when served with Panchmel Dal and Phulka, it becomes an exquisite treat for dinner. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this flavorful dish.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gawar pods (cluster beans) | 500 grams | Fresh and tender |
| Green chilies | 2 | Slit and halved |
| Amla (Indian gooseberry) | 1 | Grated or finely chopped |
| Mustard seeds (rai) | 1 teaspoon | For tempering |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1 teaspoon | Adds earthy flavor |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1 pinch | Enhances the aroma |
| Turmeric powder | 1 teaspoon | For color and subtle flavor |
| Coriander powder | 1 teaspoon | Aromatic spice |
| Whole black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | Whole, adds mild heat |
| Salt | To taste | Adjust as per preference |
| Mustard oil | 3 tablespoons | For cooking and flavor |
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
Instructions
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Prepare the Gawar Pods: Start by washing the gawar pods thoroughly. Cut the ends off both sides of the pods. Then, cut them in half lengthwise and set them aside.
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Prepare the Amla: Take the amla (Indian gooseberry), grate or finely chop it, and set it aside for later use.
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Temper the Spices: Heat mustard oil in a large pan or kadhai. Once the oil is hot, add asafoetida (hing), mustard seeds, and cumin seeds. Let them sizzle and cook for about 1 minute until they release their aromatic flavors.
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Add Green Chilies and Amla: Add the slit green chilies and grated amla to the pan. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to blend.
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Cook the Gawar Pods: Now, add the prepared gawar pods to the pan. Stir them well and let them cook for about 30 seconds.
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Add the Spices: After 30 seconds, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices coat the vegetables evenly.
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Simmer: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pan. Ensure the gawar pods become tender and absorb the spice mix.
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Finish with Black Pepper: Once the vegetables are cooked, add whole black pepper to the dish and give it a final mix.
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Serve: Turn off the heat and serve your Crispy Amla Gawar Phali Sabzi hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with Panchmel Dal, a refreshing Kachumbar Salad, and soft Phulkas (Indian flatbreads) for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Serving Suggestions
- Panchmel Dal: A hearty, spiced lentil dish that complements the tangy and crispy gawar phali sabzi.
- Kachumbar Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of lemon juice, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sabzi.
- Phulka: Soft, puffed flatbreads that can be torn and scooped up with the sabzi, making for a perfect dinner combination.
Tips for Best Results
- Choosing Gawar Pods: When selecting gawar pods, look for fresh, tender pods. Avoid pods that appear tough or have a stringy texture.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier version of the sabzi, feel free to add more green chilies or increase the black pepper.
- Amla Variations: If fresh amla is not available, you can substitute it with amla powder, but be sure to reduce the quantity since the powder is concentrated.
- Cooking on Low Heat: Cooking the sabzi on low heat allows the flavors to infuse the vegetables, making them more aromatic and flavorful.
This Crispy Amla Gawar Phali Sabzi is a perfect example of Rajasthani home-cooked food — flavorful, hearty, and wholesome. The slight bitterness of the gawar pods is balanced beautifully with the tangy amla and the mild spices. This dish is not only nutritious but also an excellent addition to any dinner table, providing a unique taste of regional Indian cuisine.
