Methi French Beans / French Beans with Fenugreek Leaves

                                                                               

Simple vegetable recipes make up the backbone of our daily meals.  So I am always looking for different ways to make the regular vegetables we eat. One vegetable that I prepare a lot is French Beans. It is available round the year here in Dar es Salaam and the quality also is so very good that I can't resist buying it often.

French beans tastes great cooked alone or in combination with other vegetables. I have previously posted recipes of french beans cooked with coconut ( South Indian style), french beans salad and several recipes in which french beans form part of assorted vegetables.  In this recipe french beans is teamed with methi ( fenugreek leaves). The  amazing flavour of methi  takes this dish to a new level altogether.

My kids have never been too fond of french beans but I am hoping they will try out this recipe as they like fenugreek leaves.  Being so far away I can't force them to eat anything but sure can try to tempt them with intriguing recipes, can't I?

Ingredients: 

250 gms french beans
1 cup methi ( fenugreek leaves)
2 potatoes
2 dry red chillies whole
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp cumin seeds
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp butter ( optional)

Method:   Peel and cut potatoes in cubes. Wash methi well and finely chop. String french beans and cut in 1/2 inch pieces. Grate or finely chop garlic.

In a heavy bottom pan heat oil and fry the potato cubes till light golden. Keep aside. Now add garlic to the oil. When garlic starts changing colour add cumin seeds. Add french beans, salt, turmeric powder and whole red chillies.  Lower flame, cover and cook till french beans soften.( If needed sprinkle a tbsp of water to aid the cooking process).  Add the potato cubes and methi. Saute for a couple of minutes till the water from the methi dries out.  Add butter and close.