Gavari Batata Bhaji Recipe: Spicy Cluster Beans with Thecha
Learn how to make authentic Maharashtrian Gavari Batata Bhaji with spicy Thecha. This easy Cluster Beans and Potato stir-fry is perfect for tiffins!
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 300 g Gavari Cluster Beans/Guar, ends trimmed and chopped
- 1 medium Potato peeled and chopped into small cubes
- 2 medium Onions roughly chopped
- 1 medium Tomato chopped
- Curry leaves a sprig
For the Tempering & Spices:
- 1/2 ladle Oil approx. 1-2 tbsp
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds Mohri
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds Jeera
- A pinch of Hing Asafetida
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- Salt to taste
For the Thecha Spicy Paste:
- 3-4 Green Chillies roasted
- 5-6 Garlic cloves roasted
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- Note: Crush these together into a coarse paste.
Garnish/Texture:
- 3 tbsp Roasted Peanut Powder Danyacha Kut – Optional but recommended
Instructions
- Prepare the Thecha: Roast the green chillies and garlic cloves slightly. Crush them with 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to make a coarse paste (Thecha).
- Heat the Oil: Place a pan (kadhai) on medium heat and add oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds, a pinch of hing, and fresh curry leaves.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onions to the pan. Sauté until they turn translucent and lightly roasted.
- Add the Spice Base: Add the prepared Thecha to the onions. Fry for about a minute on medium heat until the raw smell of garlic disappears.
- Add Tomatoes & Turmeric: Stir in the turmeric powder and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes soften. Add salt to taste and mix well.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the chopped potatoes. Sauté lightly, then cover the pan with a lid. Let the potatoes cook on low heat for about 5 minutes (they should be partially cooked).
- Add Cluster Beans: Add the chopped Gavari to the pan. Mix well with the masala. Sauté for 1 minute on medium heat.
- Steam Cook: Lower the flame completely. Cover the pan and let the vegetables cook in their own steam for 5–7 minutes.
- Final Touch: Open the lid and check if the beans and potatoes are cooked. Sprinkle the roasted peanut powder over the veggies and mix well.
- Simmer: Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat to let the flavours meld together.
- Serve: Your hot and spicy Gavari Batata Bhaji is ready to serve!