Spicy Goan Coconut Green Beans Stir-Fry

Goan Style French Beans Foogath Recipe

Introduction:
The Goan Style French Beans Foogath is a simple and delicious side dish from the coastal cuisine of Goa, India. This vibrant dish features fresh French beans sautéed with mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and fragrant spices, then topped with freshly grated coconut. It’s a quick, flavorful, and nutritious option that pairs wonderfully with rice and traditional Goan curries. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side to your main course or a light vegetarian dish, this French Beans Foogath recipe is sure to be a hit at your table.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Preparation Time

Instructions

1. Prepare the Green Beans:
   Begin by washing the green beans thoroughly. Remove the stringy part (if necessary), then chop the beans into ½-inch pieces. Set aside.

2. Heat the Oil and Temper Spices:
   Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds and ½ teaspoon cumin seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds.

3. Add Curry Leaves and Chillies:
   Add 8 curry leaves, 2 broken Kashmiri dry red chillies, and 2 slit green chillies to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.

4. Sauté the Onions:
   Add 1 sliced onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and soft.

5. Cook the Beans:
   Once the onion has softened, add the chopped green beans to the pan. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Stir everything together and sauté for another 2 minutes.

6. Add Water and Steam the Beans:
   Pour in ¼ cup of water, cover the pan, and allow the beans to steam for 8-10 minutes. Be sure not to overcook the beans – they should retain some of their crunchiness.

7. Finish with Fresh Coconut:
   Once the beans are tender but still crunchy, add 3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut. Toss everything together until the coconut is well incorporated, and then switch off the heat.

8. Serve the Goan Style French Beans Foogath:
   Your delicious Goan-style French Beans Foogath is now ready to be served! This dish is best enjoyed as a side dish along with Tomato Onion Sambar and Steamed Rice, with a generous dollop of ghee on top for extra flavor.

Tips and Variations

• Fresh Coconut: Freshly grated coconut adds an authentic flavor and texture to the dish, but if you don’t have fresh coconut on hand, you can substitute with frozen or desiccated coconut. Just be sure to rehydrate desiccated coconut by soaking it in warm water for a few minutes before using it.

• Bean Alternatives: While French beans (green beans) are traditional in this dish, you can experiment with other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or even a mix of all three for a colorful variation.

• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies and dry red chillies based on your tolerance for spice. You can make the dish milder by using only one chilli or omitting the chillies entirely.

• Garnishing: A sprinkle of finely chopped coriander leaves can add a burst of freshness and color when serving.

• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with simple Goan meals. Serve it with rice, dal, and a tangy curry such as Tomato Onion Sambar for a wholesome and balanced meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Goan Style French Beans Foogath is a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a flavorful yet light way. The combination of tender beans, crunchy onions, and the delicate sweetness of coconut makes this a dish that’s simple yet satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick side for a larger meal. Whether you’re familiar with Goan cuisine or looking to try something new, this recipe brings a taste of coastal India to your kitchen.

Enjoy this vibrant Goan delicacy with family and friends, and let the rich flavors of the tropics make your meal memorable!