Guar Beans Thoran

I was so happy today. I finally found a seed I was looking for. I didn’t know the name of the beans since my mom called it sambaar payar, just because she puts it in sambaar. I knew that can’t be the name and then somehow like other things I never could find the name and even I missed blogs posts on other blogs that mentioned the name.

And finally I knew it was called Guar beans. I searched and searched but didn’t think anyone would carry the seeds, since it was too indianish. But yippee, I found it here and right I went and ordered those. The best part is it is an upright plant, unlike other varieties and you could grow it in a pot too without any trellis. That’s neat for apartment people with patios.

There is a tinge of bitterness in these beans, but not like bittergourd. The slight tinge of bitterness gives it an edge when you make thoran.

String the beans, dice them very thin so you just need to steam them.

For 3 cups diced beans, heat 2 tsp pf oil, splutter ¼ tsp mustard seeds, sauté 2 whole red chilies, 1 sprig of curry leaves, 5 diced green chilies, 1 pod of garlic diced and ¼ cup shallots. Add the beans, sprinkle 1 tsp of water, add ¼ tsp if turmeric powder and enough salt. Cover tightly and steam in low flame until done.

Then add ¼ cup of shredded coconut, mix and sauté dry for 4 minutes.

Serve with rice. Serving size – 3.