French Beans Curry – South Indian Style
Main Ingredients
For the Masala Paste
For Tempering and Seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Prepare French Beans
Wash 500g fresh beans thoroughly and chop them into desired lengths. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics for Masala Paste
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan. Add 1 sliced onion and 2-3 garlic cloves. Fry until the onions become translucent, about .
Roast Peanuts and Spices
Add 1/4 cup peanuts to the pan and roast them along with the onions and garlic until they become aromatic, about . Then, add 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 2 green chilies, and 3-4 dried red chilies (adjust quantity based on your spice preference). for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add Fresh Herbs and Tomatoes
Add 1-2 chopped tomatoes, a handful of fresh coriander leaves, and a few mint leaves to the pan. for until the tomatoes start to soften slightly.
Grind Masala Paste
Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool down completely. Transfer the cooled mixture to a grinder, add about 1/4 cup of water, and grind it into a smooth, fine paste.
Prepare Tempering
In a separate large pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and a few curry leaves. for a few seconds until the seeds splutter and the curry leaves become aromatic.
Sauté Onions and Ginger Garlic Paste
Add 1 onion and 1 tsp ginger garlic paste to the pan. for a few seconds until the raw smell of ginger garlic paste disappears and the onions turn light golden.
Cook Masala Paste
Add the freshly ground roasted masala paste to the pan. for a few seconds, stirring continuously, until the paste is well combined with the and the oil begins to separate from the sides.
Add Beans and Water
Add the chopped French beans to the masala paste. Season with salt to taste and add some water to achieve your desired curry consistency. Mix everything well to coat the beans evenly.
Add Spices
Add 1 tsp chili powder (to further adjust the spice level) and 1/2 tsp garam masala. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the spices into the curry.
Simmer the Curry
Cover the pan with a lid and cook for on medium heat until the curry thickens and the French beans are tender-crisp.
Finish with Curd
Lower the flame to low. Add 2 tbsp of curd to the curry. Mix well and cook for an additional , ensuring not to boil the curry vigorously after adding the curd to prevent it from curdling.
Serve Hot
Once the curry has reached the desired consistency and the flavors have melded, remove from heat. Serve the hot French beans curry with rice, roti, or chapati.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 6 swaps
No Yogurt?
- Sour cream (1:1)
- Buttermilk (1:1, slightly thinner result)
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
No Curry leaves?
- 1 bay leaf + a pinch of lemon zest — Aroma only — flavor is unique.
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
Your Notes
Save your personal tweaks, substitutions and cooking adjustments.
Saved only on this device.Example: Used less salt, cooked 5 minutes longer, added extra coriander.
Included when you print this recipe.
You might also like
Other recipes in the same cuisine, meal type, or style — ready to cook whenever you are.
Paneer Masala - Restaurant/Dhaba Style
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
55 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Chole Masala - Quick & Easy Chickpea Curry
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Easy
Crispy Spicy Onion Paratha
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Paneer Paratha with Green Chutney
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
40 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Meat Ball Curry – North Indian Style
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Medium
Chicken Curry – Indian Style
Cuisine
Indian · North Indian
Prep + Cook Time
45 Minutes
Difficulty Level
Comments (0)
Sign in to leave a comment on this recipe.
Loading comments...