Gavarchi Bhaji (Cluster Beans Curry)

Growing up in Mumbai, Gavar used to be one of the vegetables readily available. In Konkani, we call it as Chitmitki. My Mom used to cook either a Konkani Upkari with coconut or a Maharashtrian Bhaji with peanuts. My favorite has always been this peanut curry.

Ingredients:

Cluster Beans/Gavar/Chitmitki (fresh or frozen) - 350 gms

Peanuts/Groundnuts - 1/2 cup

Coriander/Cilantro Leaves - few sprigs

Turmeric/Haldi - 1/4 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp

Garam Masala or any spice mix - 1/4 tsp (optional)

Aamchur or Tamarind Paste - 1/4 tsp

Asafetida/Hing - 1/8 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Oil

How to cook Gavarchi Bhaji:

• Dry roast the peanuts until they turn slightly dark and aromatic. After cooling, grind the peanuts to a coarse powder. I use the peanut skin, as the skin provides nutrients too.Medium chop the washed cluster beans.
• Heat about 1 tbsp oil in a kadhai/wok and add mustard seeds, asafetida. When mustard seeds pop, add cluster beans and about 1/2 cup water. Cook it covered till cluster beans turn soft, about 8 - 10 minutes. Cooking time varies depending on the tenderness of the cluster beans. Add more water if required.
• After cluster beans turn soft, add chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, aamchur powder, ground peanuts, chopped cilantro and salt. Mix all the ingredients well and cook it covered for about 5 - 10 minutes or till you get the desired consistency. Add more water if required.

Serve hot Gavar chi Bhaaji with chapati or rice.