Gujarati Aloo Beans Sabzi (Potato & Green Bean Stir Fry)

Aloo Beans Sabzi (Potato & Beans Stir Fry) Recipe
Course: Lunch | Cuisine: Gujarati | Diet: Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 10 mins | Cooking Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

The Aloo Beans Sabzi is a traditional Gujarati stir-fry known locally as Fansi Batata Nu Shaak, a comforting and nutritious vegetable dish that pairs the creamy texture of boiled potatoes with the vibrant, slightly crisp French beans. This simple recipe is made in a Semi Jain Style, meaning that we omit onions and garlic for a purer, lighter taste, allowing the aromatic spices to shine through. With ingredients like coriander powder, turmeric, asafoetida (hing), and red chilies, this sabzi is bursting with flavor, and the addition of curry leaves further enhances its fragrance. It’s a perfect dish for lunch boxes, as it’s easy to prepare and extremely satisfying.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Beans
   Begin by cooking the potatoes and beans separately. You can follow the video instructions to cook both in a pressure cooker for efficiency:

   • Potatoes: Wash and peel 3 medium-sized potatoes. Pressure cook them for about 2-3 whistles, or until soft. Once cooked, allow the potatoes to cool, remove the skin, and dice them into bite-sized chunks.
   • Beans: Wash and chop 250 grams of French beans. Steam them for about 5-7 minutes or until tender yet still firm.

2. Prepare the Masala (Spice Mixture)
   In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat about 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat.

   • Once hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Allow them to crackle and release their aroma.
   • Add 1 sprig of fresh curry leaves, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of asafoetida (hing), 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder. Stir the spices for about 30 seconds to allow them to bloom in the oil.

3. Combine Potatoes and Beans
   Add the boiled and diced potatoes along with the steamed green beans to the pan with the prepared masala. Sprinkle salt to taste and gently toss the mixture so that all the vegetables are well-coated with the fragrant spices.

4. Simmer and Blend Flavors
   Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow the sabzi to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps the masalas and spices to blend beautifully with the vegetables, creating a harmonious flavor.

5. Adjust the Seasoning
   After simmering, check the seasoning and spice levels. Adjust salt or chili powder to your taste preference. If you like it spicier, you can always add more red chili powder at this stage.

6. Serve and Enjoy
   Once the Aloo Beans Sabzi is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish. This dish pairs wonderfully with Gujarati Dal and Phulkas (soft whole wheat flatbreads), making for a wholesome, hearty meal. It’s an ideal dish for a weeknight dinner or a family-friendly weekend brunch.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Tips for Perfect Aloo Beans Sabzi

• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder based on your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder and substitute with a dash of garam masala.
• Freshness of Beans: Fresh green beans will give the best texture and flavor. If using frozen beans, make sure to thaw them before adding them to the sabzi.
• Oil Choice: Traditionally, vegetable oil or ghee is used, but you can use coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.

This Aloo Beans Sabzi is the epitome of Gujarati home-cooked comfort food. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and yet, is incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it with roti, rice, or as part of a larger meal, this vegetable dish will soon become a staple in your recipe collection.