Introduction:

 

Hey there, I'm Chef Ajay Chopra, Today I am going to share a delicious meal called Aloo Beans Sabji with you. 

 

I still remember very well the first time I used this method. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I wanted something healthy and filling. Putting the potatoes into big chunky cubes and getting the beans ready made me miss my childhood. This dish took me right back to my childhood and made me miss the easy pleasures of home-cooked meals.

 

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Ingredients:

Ingredients of Aloo Beans Sabji

• 4 Potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 tbsp Oil

• 1 tsp Jeera (Cumin Seeds)

• 2 Dry Red Chillies

• 1 tbsp Chopped Garlic

• 1 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder

• 1 cup French Beans, chopped

• 1 tsp Coriander Powder

• 1 tsp Jeera Powder (Cumin Powder)

• 1/2 tsp Garam Masala

• 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder

• Splash of Water

• 1 tbsp Chopped Coriander

Ingredients of Green Chili Paratha

• Wheat Flour Dough

• Ghee

• Red Chilli Powder

• Ajwain (Carom Seeds)

• Green Chillies, chopped

 

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Instructions:

Instructions of Aloo Beans Sabji

Step 1: Temper the Oil
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add jeera (cumin seeds) and dry red chillies. Allow them to splutter.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add chopped garlic and hing (asafoetida). Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Add diced potatoes to the pan. Mix well with the tempered oil and spices. Cook for 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Partially Cook the Potatoes
Cover the pan with a lid and let the potatoes cook for another 5-6 minutes until they are partially cooked.

Step 5: Add French Beans
Add French beans to the pan. Mix gently with the partially cooked potatoes.

Step 6: Spice the Sabji
Add coriander powder, jeera powder, garam masala, and red chilli powder. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.

Step 7: Simmer the Sabji
Sprinkle some water over the vegetables. Cover the pan and let the sabzi simmer for 4-5 minutes until the beans are cooked.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the beans are tender, add chopped coriander. Mix well. Serve hot with paratha or roti.

Instructions of Green Chili Paratha

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Take a portion of wheat flour dough and roll it into a flat circle.

Step 2: Season the Dough
Brush one side with ghee and sprinkle ajwain, salt, red chilli powder, and chopped green chillies evenly.

Step 3: Shape the Paratha
Fold the dough into pleats and shape it into a round ball. Dust with flour and roll out into a thick paratha.

Step 4: Cook the Paratha
Heat a flat pan over medium heat and place the paratha on it. Cook from both sides until golden brown spots appear.

Step 5: Roast the Paratha
Add ghee to the paratha and roast until light golden. Serve the Aloo Beans Sabji with the Green Chili Paratha for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

 

About the Recipe

Aloo Beans Sabji is a classic Indian dish that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The key to making this dish truly shine is in the way you cook the potatoes and beans together. By cutting the potatoes into thick cubes and letting them cook along with the beans, you ensure that both vegetables retain their individual textures while absorbing the subtle spices.

The dish starts with a tempering of cumin seeds and dried red chilies in hot oil, followed by the addition of garlic, which adds a warm, nutty flavor. Potatoes are added next, along with a pinch of turmeric and salt, and they are allowed to cook until tender. Finally, the beans are added, and the whole mixture is simmered until everything is perfectly cooked.

This recipe is part of a series of quick and easy dishes that are perfect for busy weekdays. Whether you’re packing it in a tiffin for lunch or serving it for dinner, Aloo Beans Sabji is a versatile dish that fits into any meal plan.

 

Cooking Tips

1. Cut the Potatoes Thick: Make sure to dice the potatoes into thick cubes. This allows them to cook evenly with the beans and prevents them from becoming too soft or mushy.

2. Use Fresh Beans: Fresh green beans will give the dish a vibrant color and a nice crunch. If you’re using frozen beans, add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

3. Don’t Skimp on Garlic: Garlic is one of the key ingredients in this dish. Let it brown slightly before adding the potatoes to bring out its full flavor.

4. Cook Covered: Cover the pan while cooking to retain moisture and ensure that the potatoes and beans cook through evenly.

5. Adjust the Spice Level: This dish is mildly spiced with just turmeric and a bit of garam masala. You can adjust the spice levels to your taste by adding more or less red chili.

 

Pairing Guide

Aloo Beans Sabji pairs beautifully with a variety of Indian breads. My personal favorite is a Green Chili Paratha. The slight heat from the green chili in the paratha complements the mild flavors of the sabji perfectly. You can also serve this dish with plain roti, puri, or even jeera rice for a more filling meal.

For a complete meal, add a side of raita or plain yogurt. The coolness of the yogurt balances the warmth of the sabji, creating a harmonious dining experience. A glass of buttermilk or a simple lemon pickle can also be excellent accompaniments.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Aloo Beans Sabji?

   • Aloo Beans Sabji is a simple Indian vegetable dish made with potatoes and green beans cooked with basic spices like cumin, turmeric, and garlic.

2. Can I use frozen beans for Aloo Beans Sabji?

   • Yes, you can use frozen beans. Just add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.

3. How do I make Aloo Beans Sabji more spicy?

   • To make it spicier, you can add more red chili powder or include green chilies in the tempering.

4. What can I pair with Aloo Beans Sabji?

   • Aloo Beans Sabji pairs well with Indian breads like paratha, puri, or roti. It also goes well with jeera rice or plain rice.

5. Can I make Aloo Beans Sabji without garlic?

   • Yes, if you prefer a garlic-free version, you can skip the garlic. The dish will still be flavorful with the cumin and other spices.

6. How long does Aloo Beans Sabji take to cook?

   • The dish takes about 20-25 minutes to cook, including preparation time.

7. Is Aloo Beans Sabji healthy?

   • Yes, it’s a healthy dish made with vegetables and minimal oil. You can reduce the oil further to make it even healthier.

8. Can I add other vegetables to Aloo Beans Sabji?

   • Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots or peas to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

9. How do I store leftovers of Aloo Beans Sabji?

   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

10. Can I make Aloo Beans Sabji in advance?

    • Yes, you can make it in advance and reheat it when needed. It’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time for busy days.