Long forgotten ingredient : Guar Beans

Ajwain flavored sauted Guar Beans



 

Guar Beans, also known as Cluster beans have been used in Indian culinary for  long time.  Growing up I remember,  Mom would say, "Eat some at least. "I hate it" would be my perennial response. But today I make it at least once a fortnight, if not once a week. May be that's because not only I have found few delicious recipes but also discovered how good it is for health. Low in calories, it packs in plenty of Folate, Vitamin A, K and C, Manganese, Iron and Potassium. Its pods are high in protein which is better available if the pods are toasted. But its biggest health secret lies in its very high fibre content which is  unique in many senses. It slows the absorption of food thus makes you feel full sooner thus helps in weight loss & also lowers the glycemic index of your meal  thus a very useful adjunct to the diet for diabetics.

 

This bean, a cousin of French beans,  is a native of Africa but now mostly cultivated in India. With world being as flat & small as it is, this is now easily available in frozen section of Indian Grocery stores. As opposed to french bean, this one is somewhat bitter in taste resulting in the disliking of many & hence makes it critical to cook with  just the right flavors.

In this recipe,  I have used Ajwain aka Carom seeds or Bishop Weed & lime juice to balance the bitterness. Last night, I served it as side with Lentil Soup & Roti.
 

Here is the recipe :
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of Chopped Guar beans
1 diced Roma tomato,
1/4 tsp Carom seed (Ajwain),
1/4 tsp Cumin seeds,
1/4tsp Garam Masala,
1/2 tsp Coriander powder,
Pinch of Cumin,
Juice of half lime.
Salt to taste
1Tbsp Olive oil / Vegetable oil

Method: Heat oil in a saute pan. When warm, add cumin & carom seeds. When seeds splutter, add Beans, salt and cumin & cook it on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Stir to avoid charring. Once beans are a bit softened, about rest of spices & lime juice. Cover & let is absorb the flavors for about 5-10 minutes. Add Tomatoes & cover. Turn the heat off & let it sit. Another 5 minutes, Voila, it's ready to be served. Hope you give it a try & enjoy.