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Guvar ni shak recipe

Guvar nu Shaak

Guvar (Cluster Beans) has a slightly bitter taste and a firm texture. This shaak is a classic Gujarati preparation where the cluster beans are cooked with potatoes (optional) and seasoned with a mix of spices, often including carom seeds (ajwain), which aids digestion and complements the beans' flavour.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g Guvar Cluster Beans
  • 1 medium potato peeled and cubed (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon carom seeds ajwain
  • A pinch of asafoetida hing
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1-2 teaspoons red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander-cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • A small piece of jaggery optional
  • Chopped fresh coriander for garnish

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Pan or pressure cooker

Method
 

  1. Wash the guvar. Pinch off the top and bottom ends and destring them if necessary. Chop
  2. them into 1-inch pieces.
  3. Heat oil in a pressure cooker or a pan.
  4. Add mustard seeds and carom seeds. Once they crackle, add the asafoetida.
  5. Add the chopped guvar and cubed potato (if using).
  6. Add turmeric powder and salt. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
  7. Add about ¼ cup of water.
  8. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 2 whistles. If using a pan, cover and
  9. cook on low heat until the beans are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
  10. Once cooked, open the lid and add the red chili powder, coriander-cumin powder, and
  11. jaggery (if using).
  12. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the water evaporates and the shaak is dry.
  13. Garnish with coriander and serve.

Notes

● Carom seeds (ajwain) are highly recommended for this shaak as they pair beautifully with
cluster beans.
● Young, tender cluster beans are less bitter and cook faster.
● Adding a small amount of jaggery helps to balance the slight bitterness of the beans.