Cluster beans (gawar) cooked with prawns

Cluster beans is a bit of a put off for many because it has a slightly bitterish after taste. Cooked with the right combination of ingredients this humble vegetable can be taken to another level of flavour. Humbly, it marries well with masoor dal and is a great source of protein. Cluster beans are low in calories and is known to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Cooked with prawns the cholesterol levels go out of the window.

Gawar/Cluster beans – 400 grams after cleaning
Prawns – 20 large
Tomatoes – 2 large diced evenly
Onion – one large minced fine
Potato – one large diced evenly to match the size of the tomatoes
Capsicum – one large diced evenly

Garlic – 7 cloves minced
Ginger – one inch minced
Green chillies – 3 minced
Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
Fresh coriander- half a hand full

Chilli powder- 3/4 teaspoon
Turmeric powder- 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin powder- 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder- 11/2 teaspoon

Oil as required
Salt to taste

If you want this dish to look presentable as all food should, then I recommend that you cut the cluster beans thumb nail size and maintain the same size cut for all vegetables except the onions.

Clean the prawns removing the central vein. Wash and marinate in a little turmeric and lime juice. Set aside for ten minutes and shallow fry in oil for not more than a minute on each side. Don’t overcook the prawns as we have to introduce it to the dish later.