Cluster Beans Recipes Veg Recipes Of India You Must Try

Cluster beans, also known as guar beans or “gawar” in Hindi, are a popular vegetable in Indian cuisine, especially in the northern and western regions. These slender, green pods are not only nutritious but also boast a unique, slightly bitter flavor that perfectly complements a variety of spices and cooking styles.

If you’re looking to explore authentic Indian vegetarian dishes, cluster beans offer a wonderful base for creating flavorful, wholesome meals. From simple stir-fries to rich curries, cluster beans can be transformed into delicious recipes that bring a touch of traditional Indian home cooking to your table.

In this post, we’ll dive into several delightful cluster beans recipes that showcase the versatility of this humble vegetable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying cluster beans for the first time, these recipes are sure to inspire your culinary creativity and add a nutritious punch to your diet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cluster beans are a fantastic vegetable choice because they are low in calories yet packed with fiber and essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. Their slight bitterness adds a refreshing contrast to the spices commonly used in Indian cooking, making dishes exciting and flavorful.

Moreover, cluster beans are incredibly versatile — they can be quick-sauteed for a light side dish or slow-cooked with tomatoes and spices for a hearty curry.

These recipes are perfect for anyone who enjoys vegetarian meals full of vibrant flavors and textures. Plus, cluster beans are widely available and budget-friendly, making them an excellent option for everyday cooking.

Ingredients

• Cluster beans (gawar) – 500 grams, washed and chopped
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato – 2 medium, chopped
• Green chili – 1, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala – 1/2 teaspoon
• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 2 tablespoons (preferably mustard or vegetable oil)
• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

Equipment

• Non-stick pan or heavy-bottomed skillet
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Serving bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the cluster beans: Rinse the cluster beans thoroughly under running water. Trim the ends and chop them into 1-2 inch pieces. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan: Place your skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them pop.
3. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida: After mustard seeds pop, add cumin seeds and a pinch of asafoetida to enhance flavor. Stir briefly.
4. Sauté onions and green chili: Add the chopped onions and green chili to the pan. Cook until onions turn translucent and slightly golden.
5. Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
6. Cook tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and oil starts to separate from the mixture, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Spice it up: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
8. Add cluster beans: Toss the chopped cluster beans into the pan. Mix thoroughly to coat the beans with the masala.
9. Cook covered: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if the mixture looks too dry.
10. Finish with garam masala: Once the beans are tender but still slightly crisp, sprinkle garam masala over the dish and mix well.
11. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer flavor, try roasting the spices before adding them to the dish. You can also add a pinch of amchur (dry mango powder) for a tangy twist.”

• Use fresh cluster beans for the best taste; older beans tend to be fibrous.
• For a protein boost, add cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes to the recipe.
• Try this recipe with a dash of lemon juice at the end for added brightness.
• For a dry stir-fry, cook uncovered and let excess moisture evaporate.
• Make a curry version by adding a cup of coconut milk or yogurt towards the end of cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cluster beans dishes pair wonderfully with Indian staples like steamed basmati rice, chapati, or paratha. For a wholesome meal, serve this with dal (lentil curry) and a cooling cucumber raita on the side.

You could also enjoy cluster beans with a simple Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or alongside a protein-rich dish such as Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a balanced plate.

To add some spice and tang, try serving with pickles like Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe. This combination offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that highlight the earthy taste of cluster beans.

Cluster Beans Recipe Variations

Cluster Beans and Potato Stir-Fry (Gawar Aloo)

This simple yet tasty stir-fry combines tender cluster beans with cubed potatoes sautéed in mustard seeds, turmeric, and red chili powder. It’s a comfort food favorite in many Indian households.

Ingredients

• Cluster beans – 300 grams, chopped
• Potatoes – 2 medium, peeled and cubed
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 2 tablespoons
• Fresh coriander – for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds until they pop.
2. Add potatoes and turmeric powder, sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add cluster beans and salt, mix well.
4. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once potatoes and beans are tender, sprinkle red chili powder, mix, and cook for 2 more minutes.
6. Garnish with coriander and serve.

Cluster Beans Curry (Gawar ki Sabzi)

A rich, spiced curry that combines cluster beans with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for serving with steamed rice or Indian breads.

Ingredients

• Cluster beans – 400 grams, chopped
• Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
• Tomato – 2 large, pureed
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala – 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 2 tablespoons
• Water – 1 cup

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
2. Add onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates.
5. Add turmeric, red chili, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
6. Add cluster beans and stir to coat in spices.
7. Add water, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until beans are tender.
8. Finish with garam masala, mix, and cook for 2 more minutes.
9. Serve hot with rice or chapati.

Cluster Beans with Peanut Masala

This dry stir-fry features cluster beans tossed with a crunchy, flavorful peanut masala, adding protein and texture to the dish.

Ingredients

• Cluster beans – 400 grams, chopped
• Roasted peanuts – 1/2 cup, coarsely ground
• Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Oil – 2 tablespoons
• Curry leaves – a few (optional)
• Fresh coriander – for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and curry leaves until fragrant.
2. Add cluster beans and turmeric powder, sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add salt and red chili powder, mix well.
4. Cook covered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Once beans are tender, add coarsely ground peanuts and mix thoroughly.
6. Cook for another 2 minutes and garnish with coriander leaves.
7. Serve warm as a side dish.

Conclusion

Cluster beans offer a unique and nutritious addition to your Indian vegetarian cooking repertoire. Their subtle bitterness, combined with aromatic spices and traditional cooking methods, creates dishes that are both wholesome and delicious.

Whether you prefer a simple stir-fry, a hearty curry, or a crunchy peanut masala, cluster beans adapt beautifully to various flavors and textures.

Experimenting with these recipes will not only deepen your appreciation for Indian cuisine but also provide a healthy, fiber-rich vegetable option for your meals. Don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on our site to expand your culinary adventures, such as the comforting Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cluster Beans Sabzi”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A traditional Indian vegetable dish made with cluster beans and simple spices. It is nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare as a side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“250 grams cluster beans, chopped”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “1 teaspoon mustard seeds”, “1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “1 medium onion, finely chopped”, “2 green chilies, slit”, “1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder”, “1 teaspoon coriander powder”, “1/2 teaspoon red chili powder”, “Salt to taste”, “1 tablespoon grated coconut (optional)”, “1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add mustard and cumin seeds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Once they splutter, add chopped onions and green chilies; saut\u00e9 until onions turn translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped cluster beans and stir to coat with spices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until beans are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Optional: add grated coconut and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}