Beans Fry is a simple, quick, and nutritious Andhra-style side dish made without onions. The added urad dal and chana dal give a lovely crunch while the beans cook soft and absorb mild spices. It is light, healthy, and perfect for everyday meals, pairing well with rice or chapati.
About Beans
French beans, also known as green beans, are long, slender vegetables with a smooth, velvety skin. They have a slightly sweet taste and a natural crunch, which makes them enjoyable to eat in a variety of dishes. These tender, edible young pods from the legume family are commonly used in Indian and Asian cuisines, especially in stir-fries, curries, poriyals, and pulao. Their mild, fresh flavor and crisp texture make them suitable for both dry and gravy-based preparations, adding nutrition and taste to everyday meals.
They are called “French beans” because this variety became popular in France after being introduced from the Americas, and the name continued worldwide, including in India.
Ingredients
- Beans – 250 g (finely chopped)
- Oil – 1½ tbsp
- Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Chana dal – 1 tsp
- Urad dal – 1 tsp
- Dry red chillies – 2 (broken)
- Garlic – 4 cloves (crushed)
- Curry leaves – few
- Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
- Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – as needed
- Grated coconut – 2 tbsp (optional)
Preparation Process
- Wash and finely chop the beans.
- Heat oil, add mustard seeds, let them splutter.
- Add chana dal and urad dal; fry until golden.
- Add cumin seeds, dry red chillies, crushed garlic, and curry leaves; sauté well.
- Add beans, turmeric, and salt; mix thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on medium flame until the beans turn soft, stirring occasionally.
- Add red chilli powder and fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Add grated coconut (optional) and mix.
Health Benefits
- High in fiber to support digestion.
- Low calorie, good for weight control.
- Rich in vitamins A, C, and K for immunity and bone health.
- Chana dal and urad dal add protein.
- Antioxidant-rich and heart-friendly.
Tips
- Chop beans finely for faster cooking and better taste.
- Fry dals on low flame to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle 1 tbsp water if beans seem too dry during cooking.
- Add coconut only at the end to keep it fresh.
- A pinch of hing can enhance aroma.
Variations
- Coconut Beans Fry – Add more fresh coconut.
- Spicy Beans Fry – Increase red chilli powder or add crushed pepper.
- Peanut Beans Fry – Add 2 tbsp peanuts to the tempering.