Madrasi Green Beans or Other Vegetables

Bring the vibrant flavors of South India to your table with Madrasi Green Beans (or other vegetables), a quick and aromatic side dish that’s perfect for elevating any meal. This versatile recipe features tender green beans—or your favorite veggies like carrots, zucchini, or cabbage—coated in a fragrant seasoning of mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves, with a hint of spice from dried red chilies and green chili. The addition of freshly grated coconut adds a subtle sweetness and luxurious texture, while turmeric lends its golden hue and earthy warmth. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is made with nutrient-rich coconut oil and a simple cooking technique that locks in flavor and preserves the vegetables’ natural crunch. Serve it as a delightful side to steamed rice or soft flatbreads for a wholesome, flavorful experience infused with traditional South Indian charm.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams green beans (or other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or cabbage)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 pieces dried red chilies
• 10 pieces curry leaves
• 50 grams freshly grated coconut (or desiccated coconut)
• 1 piece green chili (finely chopped)
• 0.25 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Wash the green beans and trim the ends. Cut them into 1-inch pieces. If using other vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add the coconut oil.

Step 3

Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. When they start to pop, add the cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Stir for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 4

Add the green beans (or other vegetables) to the pan and mix well.

Step 5

Add turmeric powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the pan and cook on medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Check if the vegetables are tender. If not, add a bit more water and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7

Once the vegetables are cooked, add the grated coconut and finely chopped green chili. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Taste and adjust salt, if necessary. Serve warm as a side dish with rice or flatbreads.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(643.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	619.5

Total Fat 46.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2410.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 50.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.0g	0%
Total Sugars 20.9g
Protein 13.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 261.6mg	0%
Iron 9.7mg	0%
Potassium 1491.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.2%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 30.0%