Kothamara(Kothavara) - Carrot Thoran | Guar Beans (Cluster Beans) Stir Fry

Kothamara was one of the less used vegetables at home until I found the benefits of this veggie. Initially kothavara was added only to sambar and aviyal but later on this was taken up by stir fry. I tasted this stir fry in a hotel but then it was made as kothamara stir fry alone.Later I started making it by adding carrots to this and found all loved this form than the kothamara alone.This is a simple stir fry but does require a little more time than usual to cut the veggie. Though kothamara can be made as a stir fry on its own but I feel addition of carrots balances the bitter flavor of kothamara.This  bitter flavor is further reduced considerably by the addition of shallots and grated coconut. The grated coconut added to this stir fry is slightly more than usual stir fries/ thoran. Check this out !!

Preparation time ~ 15 minutes

Cooking time ~ 10 minutes

Serves ~ 8-10

Author ~ Julie

Ingredients

kothavara/ guar beans 350 gms

carrot 2 large

grated coconut 3/4 cup

shallots/ kunjulli 10 chopped

green chilies / pacha mulaku 3 sliced

turmeric powder / manjal podi  1/2 tsp

curry leaves a sprig

coconut oil 2 tbsp

mustard seeds 1 tsp

salt to taste

Method

• Use tender cluster beans (guar/ kothamara) for stir fry. If you don't find the tender ones that then snip both edges or the hard sides of the cluster beans. Then chop the kothamara in small bits.

• Peel the skin of carrot, wash and chop it small like kothamara.Chop the shallots, green chillies.
• Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. When it slutters add in the green chillies, chopped shallots and curry leaves. Saute until translucent. Add in the kothamara, carrots. Add turmeric powder and salt. Mix well, add 1/4 cup water. Cook covered for 5-6 minutes.
• Run the grated coconut in a blender without adding water and pulse. Add the grated coconut, mix well. Check salt if needed. Then simmer on low flame for 2 minutes. Uncover lid and dry off any moisture left in the stir fry /thoran. Switch off flame, add a sprig of curry leaves. Keep covered for 10 minutes and serve.

NOTES

* Remember to snip the hard sides of the mature kothamara(cluster beans) else it doesn't cook soft unlike the tender ones.

* Kothamara needs a little water to cook than just steam cooking. Add few tbsp of water to cook.

* If you like the stir fry more spicier then add more green chillies.

* Carrot is optional but it does reduces the bitterness of kothamara and adds a nice flavor.