Goan Gawar Bhaji Recipe
Goan Gawar Bhaji, a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish, brings a delightful combination of cluster beans, aromatic spices, and fresh coconut. This dish is part of the vibrant Goan cuisine and pairs beautifully with steamed rice and Keerai Sambar for a wholesome meal. Gawar Phali, or cluster beans, is a popular vegetable in Goan cooking, and its slightly bitter taste is balanced with the rich, fragrant spices that define this region’s culinary style.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weekday meal or something new to try for lunch, Goan Gawar Bhaji will quickly become a favorite. Let’s explore this simple yet delicious recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Sunflower Oil
- 250 grams Gawar Phali (also known as Kothavarangai or Cluster Beans)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
- A pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tomato, finely chopped
- 2 Green Chilies, slit or chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Coconut, grated
- Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped for garnish
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Goan Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Cluster Beans: Begin by washing the Gawar Phali (cluster beans) thoroughly. Once cleaned, chop them into small pieces.
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Temper the Spices: Heat sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing). Let the seeds splutter for about 15 seconds, releasing their fragrant aroma.
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Add the Onions and Green Chilies: Now, add the finely chopped onion and green chilies to the pan. Stir-fry until the onions turn soft and become translucent, giving off a sweet, golden hue.
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Cook the Tomatoes: Add the tomato to the pan and sauté until it softens and becomes mushy. This helps create a rich base for the bhaji.
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Add the Cluster Beans: Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the chopped cluster beans to the pan. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and salt, then mix everything together.
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Cook the Bhaji: Add a small amount of water to the pan, cover it, and cook for about 10–12 minutes or until the cluster beans are fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The cluster beans will soften, and the water will evaporate.
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Finishing Touches: Once the beans are tender and the water has evaporated, turn off the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and texture.
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Serve: Goan Gawar Bhaji is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve this flavorful vegetable dish along with Keerai Sambar (a traditional South Indian spinach curry) and steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Best Results
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the number of green chilies or add some red chili powder.
- Coconut adds a wonderful flavor to the dish, but if you don’t have fresh coconut, desiccated coconut can be used as a substitute.
- For a variation, you can also add a handful of fresh peas or potatoes to make the dish heartier.
This Goan Gawar Bhaji is a simple yet hearty dish that encapsulates the essence of Goan cooking. With its aromatic spices and the unique flavor of cluster beans, it makes for a delicious and wholesome meal that will surely satisfy your cravings for traditional Goan flavors.
