I always keep my freezer stocked with frozen veggie packets (usually Indian ones like Swad or Laxmi brand) such as french cut beans, tindora, okra/bhindi, or goovar/cluster beans. Fresh versions of these veggies are not always readily available near where I live and these frozen packets are super easy to turn into a quick dry masala. Pair with some hot whole wheat chappati/ roti for a fast, healthy dinner option.

In Kannada, these dry masala curries are called “Oggarne Palyas.” Oggarne Palya is a dry curry that doesn’t have any gravy and instead is made with a basic tempering type masala. These type of palyas/ curries are very simple to make and are very healthy, since they are exempt of any heavy gravy and focus just on the vegetables. There are many types of oggarne palyas that you can make.

My husband often requests Goovar/Cluster Beans/ Gorekai/ Jawalikai. He just loves the taste. However, this vegetable is also known to be great for controlling blood pressure and strengthening bones. Tastes good and good for you? Double win!

Goovar/ Cluster Beans Dry Masala

Recipe by Chaitra KCuisine: Indian, South Indian

Servings

2

servings

Prep Time

5

minutes

Cooking Time

10

minutes

Calories per Serving

90

kcal

A dry curry featuring Goovar/ Cluster Beans

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• A few curry leaves

• 1 tbsp chana dal/ split desi chickpeas

• 1 tbsp urad dal/ split matpe beans

• 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced and halved)

• 2-4 green chilis (minced)

• 1.5 cups Goovar/ Cluster Beans
  

• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a sauté pan at a medium flame.
• Add 1 tsp mustard seeds to the oil.
• Once the mustard seeds start to crackle, add a few curry leaves, 1 tbsp chana dal, and 1 tbsp urad dal. Sauté for a few minutes. The dal should change color slightly and become golden. 
• Add 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced and halved) and sauté till translucent.
• Add a few curry leaves and 2-4 green chilis (minced) and sauté for a few minutes.
• Then, add 1.5 cups Goovar/ Cluster Beans.
  
• Mix well, add salt to taste and cook covered for a few minutes. If the mixture looks too dry, add a bit of water.
• Once the beans are thoroughly cooked, take off flame. Enjoy 🙂

Notes

• I typically use frozen Goovar/ Cluster Beans for this recipe, as fresh beans are not available near me. This recipe is per one 12 oz packet of Goovar. I prefer Swad or Laxmi brand.
•  I prefer to mince my green chilis in a grinder. However, you can finely mince them by hand or even just slit them.
• There are many versions of this recipe. This is my tried and true version that I learned from my Mother. I hope you love it!
• Vegan Option: This recipe is Vegan! 🙂

Did you make this recipe?

I hope you all try this recipe out! I would love to see your own adventures in cooking! Please take a pic and share them with me on Instagram/Facebook @chaitrascreations.