This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.

spicy indian green beans

Its almost Friday. Its almost mid august and Summer seems to have skipped the northwest. Just half a day or above 90 last weekend and back to high 60s all this week. No wonder homes dont come with any air conditioning. You hardly ever need it.
 
A quick post with this staple green beans stir fry(Sabji). A great side with an Indian meal with daal soup, bean stews, and bread, or as a side with any other meal.

 

Green Beans with fennel seeds, lentils and cilantro. Barbati Sabji vegan glutenfree recipe
 
Simple spices, few ingredients, and a crunch.
Another way we make beans, is My mum’s Green beans and potatoes.

Steps:
Add mustard seeds and fennel seeds in oil. Then add asofetida.
 
 
Add lentils and cilantro. cook for half a minute
 
 
Add green beans, chili flakes, mix and cook.
 
 
Listen to some music, bake cookies, walk the dog.
 
Currently playing Cocktail(hindi movie) songs on Loop. Yep, almost all hindi movies are musicals. And the Song albums are as big the music albums here. You can find songs on Dhingana or Desi music hindi apps. Apps are free.
 

After 8-10 minutes, Add salt, cook till golden on the edges. Serve.
Variations: change up the spices, add cumin, coriander or caraway seeds, add curry leaves, turmeric, garam masala.
 
 
Green Beans with Fennel seeds, lentils and cilantro.
Gluten free, Vegan, Indian
 
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons safflower or virgin coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
a generous pinch of asafoetida(hing, optional)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 to 2 Tablespoons split peas or lentil of choice
1/2-1 teaspoon chili flakes ( to taste)
2-3 cups green beans (chopped if you prefer)
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
 
Method:
In a large pan, add oil, heat on medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds and fennel seeds.
Mix and cook for a few seconds until the mustard seeds start to pop.
Add the asafoetida, split lentils/peas, 2-3 Tablespoons of cilantro and mix for a minute till the lentils just start to golden brown.
Add the green beans/french beans, chili flakes to taste.
Mix, add 2 Tablespoons of water, cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
Add salt to taste, mix well, cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes until tender.
Serve hot topped with cilantro, fresh shredded coconut, chili flakes.
 
The split peas get toasted/fried to a crunchy state in this recipe. You can also use red lentils instead of split peas. 
 
 
 
A couple of things to do. Stop by the Walk for Farm animals page and sponsor a team! Kristy and her family including the kids are participating. You can sponsor them here.(search for team name- Keepin’ It Kind).
 
If you havent already read this interview of one of my fave people Phillip Wollen. Read it today on The Thinking Vegan here.

Anyone who tells me there is such a thing as “humane” slaughter should contact me. I see a wonderful business opportunity to sell them the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I seriously wonder how they define the word “humane”. It is a saccharine, feel

-good word designed to provide convenient cover for an atrocious act of barbarism. And it gives consumers a smug sense of satisfaction that eating animals is ethical, after all. A ghastly con – a betrayal of the worst kind.”
 
 
There are days when I feel bogged down by the constant pain around, days when surrounded by friends who are in high spirits, cracking jokes, having fun and I sit and think that its all silly(judging myself for not doing enough). Those days, As Mr Wollen says, I have to stop myself and check my head. I cant keep my efforts, however minuscule, going, if I myself get sick/depressed/exhausted. Small steps, small steps, enjoy the simple things around every once in a while. Its a long journey ahead.
 

About Richa

Hi, I'm Richa! I create flavorful plant based recipes that are inspired by my Indian upbringing, including many gluten-free, soy-free, and oil-free options.

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

If you Love the Recipe, Please consider rating it using stars in comments! It helps readers and helps more people find the recipe online and I love hearing from you all!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

28 Comments

  1. Tadka Pasta says:

    The fennel in there is such a surprise..and I love making sabzi with whole beans when they are so slender and tender. Trying this for dinner today!

  2. Marta @ What Should I Eat For Breakfast Today says:

    I so feel like beans today.

  3. Terra says:

    A few weeks ago we made fresh beans with onion and garlic. We accidentally made browned butter when cooking the onions and garlic. The sweetness with the green beans was really fantastic, I love making new food discoveries:-) I love your recipe, and love the simplicity of the recipe! I hope you have a wonderful week:-) Hugs, Terra

  4. Cathleen says:

    I haven’t had green beans in such a long time. I am in need of some of this, thank you for sharing!!

  5. glutenfreehappytummy.com says:

    oh i love green beans! this sounds like a lovely recipe! yum!