Special Tonight: Durban Beans Curry

AND IN THIS CORNER, PROTEIN-PACKED BEANS..

The humble bean does not exactly make you drool when seen on the shelves in their dry  unappealing form.  Yet in a well-cooked curry, it is tastier than most meat dishes.  

Kids love beans- it gives them an excuse to toot-toot and for all the toot-toot jokes! 

Not only is it an excellent source of protein but it is a staple in any diet and there's a variety to choose from.

For those hungry stomachs that need to be filled while  you cast a wary eye on your dwindling grocery supply, beans (pulses) are an excellent addition to your cupboard.  

So choose a packet of your favourite beans or try different ones and let's cook.  The recipe below can be adapted to suit any beans that you want to cook.  I've used sugar beans to make little bunny chows for supper but you can eat them with roti, rice or bread.

DURBAN SUGAR BEANS CURRY

You will need:

1 cup dried sugar beans 

2 tablespoons oil

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise

1 bay leaf

1/2  teaspoon fennel seeds

1 onion, chopped

1 sprig curry leaves

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

2 tablespoons curry powder

2 tomatoes, chopped
1 clove garlic
1- 2 teaspoons salt

2 potatoes, quartered

Coriander or curry leaves, to garnish

Wash and boil the sugar beans until tender, then set aside. Do not drain them. TIP: soak them for 1-2 hours in boiling water before putting them to boil. Or if you have it, a pressure cooker takes 20 min and beans don't need presoaking.

Heat the oil in a saucepan, then add the onion and whole spices (or curry stoppers, as my eldest calls it). Fry until the onion is soft.

Add the turmeric, curry powder, sprig of curry leaves, garlic and tomatoes. Now close the pot with a lid and allow the tomatoes to soften.  After 2-3 min, the tomatoes should be soft enough to mash. After mashing, you will be left with a thick, fragrant curry paste.

Add the beans with the water and salt and give it a stir. Cover and cook for 5 min.  Then add the potatoes and cook until tender (add water if necessary).

Garnish with coriander or curry leaves. Serve with roti, rice or bread.


And there, wasn't that easy?

NOTE: You will use this braising method for most curries so learn it well.

Substitute any beans that you fancy.

Feeling a bit closed off from the world?  Kids and spouse climbing the walls, looking for some takeout?  Use your curry to make a bunny chow. And wrap it in paper and serve.

Enjoy!