Indian cuisine is a beautiful tapestry of flavors, colors, and aromas, and vegetable curries hold a special place in this rich culinary tradition. Among these, broccoli and beans curry stands out as a simple yet flavorful dish that perfectly combines the crunch of fresh broccoli with the hearty texture of beans.
This curry is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a festive dish to impress your guests. The aromatic spices and creamy tomato-based gravy bring out the best in these humble vegetables, creating a comfort food that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning to explore Indian vegetarian recipes, this broccoli and beans curry will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, packed with protein and fiber, and pairs beautifully with rice or Indian breads like roti and naan.
Plus, it offers a wonderful way to incorporate more greens and legumes into your diet without compromising on taste. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that celebrates the flavors of India in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This broccoli and beans curry is a perfect blend of nutrition and taste. The combination of fresh green vegetables simmered in a fragrant, mildly spiced gravy makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, which suits many dietary needs without any compromise.
Besides being packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, this curry is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just pantry staples and fresh produce.
It’s ideal for meal prepping, reheats well, and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Most importantly, this recipe is versatile. You can adjust the spice levels, swap beans for your favorite legumes, or add coconut milk for extra creaminess.
It’s a great recipe to have in your arsenal for a wholesome, quick, and delicious Indian meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets, washed and chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder, adjust to taste
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water or as needed
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1/2 cup cooked white beans (such as navy beans or cannellini)
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Blender or food processor (optional, for tomato puree)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Rinse the broccoli florets and green beans thoroughly. Trim and chop the green beans into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Heat oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds, letting them sizzle and pop for about 30 seconds.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Cook until the onions turn translucent and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add spices: Stir in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well for about a minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the pureed or chopped tomatoes. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the oil starts to separate from the masala (spice mixture), about 8-10 minutes.
- Cook vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and green beans to the skillet. Stir to coat the vegetables with the masala. Pour in 1/2 cup of water, cover, and let the vegetables simmer until tender but still crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add beans: Gently fold in the cooked white beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish with garam masala: Sprinkle the garam masala over the curry and stir well. Adjust salt and spice levels as needed.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, roti, or your favorite Indian bread.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking.”
You can customize this curry by using different beans such as chickpeas or kidney beans. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper.
For a smokier flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or dry roast the spices for a deeper aroma.
If you want to save time, use frozen broccoli and beans, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. This curry also pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
For a low-carb version, serve this curry with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 24 g |
Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Vitamin C | 120% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Calcium | 8% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli and beans curry pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice or freshly made roti. For a more indulgent meal, try serving it alongside Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula to balance the spice with creamy zestiness.
Another popular accompaniment is a cooling cucumber raita or a simple yogurt salad which helps balance the spices. For a complete Indian feast, add some crispy papadums and a side of pickles like the Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe.
If you’re looking for more hearty vegetarian dishes, check out the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for delicious starters that complement this curry perfectly.
Conclusion
Broccoli and beans curry is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious meal with just a handful of spices and a little love. This recipe is a celebration of Indian home cooking—flavorful, wholesome, and satisfying.
Whether you’re looking to eat more plant-based meals or want to add more variety to your dinner table, this curry is a fantastic choice. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, yet flavorful enough to serve at gatherings or festive occasions.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover just how delightful and comforting Indian vegetable curries can be!
📖 Recipe Card: Broccoli and Beans Curry
Description: A flavorful Indian curry combining broccoli and green beans in a spiced tomato gravy. Perfect as a healthy vegetarian main or side dish.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add turmeric, coriander powder, and pureed tomatoes; cook until oil separates.
- Add broccoli and green beans, mix well.
- Pour water, cover, and cook on medium heat for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle garam masala and salt; stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 22 g
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