Gawar nu Shaak
A classic Gujarati homestyle dish featuring tender cluster beans cooked in a tangy and mildly sweet tomato-based masala. This simple yet flavorful shaak is a staple in Gujarati households and pairs perfectly with hot rotis.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Begin by preparing the cluster beans (gawar)
- a.Wash them thoroughly under running water. Snap off the top and bottom ends, and remove any tough strings along the sides. Chop the beans into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
- 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pan or kadai over medium heat
- a.Once the oil is hot, add the carom seeds (ajwain) and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the asafoetida (hing).
- 3
Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan
- a.Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and become soft and mushy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir in the spice powders: turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander-cumin powder. Mix well and cook the masala for another minute, until the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- 5
Add the chopped cluster beans to the pan along with the salt and grated jaggery
- a.Stir everything together for about 2 minutes to ensure the beans are well-coated with the masala.
- 6
Pour in the water, stir once, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
- a.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the shaak cook for 12-15 minutes. Stir once or twice in between to prevent sticking.
- 7
Step 7
- a.Check for doneness by pressing a piece of gawar with a spoon; it should be tender but not mushy. If it's still tough, add another splash of water and cook for a few more minutes. Once cooked, turn off the heat.
- 8
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves
- a.Serve the Gawar nu Shaak hot with phulka roti, parathas, or as a side with dal and rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, choose young, tender cluster beans that are bright green and snap easily.
- 2If your cluster beans are slightly mature or tough, add a tiny pinch of baking soda while cooking to help them soften faster.
- 3Do not add too much water at once. This is a semi-dry curry, and the beans should steam-cook in a minimal amount of liquid.
- 4The balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy is key in Gujarati cuisine. Feel free to adjust the jaggery, chili powder, and tomato quantities to your liking.
- 5This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gawar Bateta nu Shaak
Add one medium potato, peeled and diced, along with the cluster beans. You may need to add a little more water and increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
With GarlicWith Garlic
For a different flavor profile, add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic after the carom seeds have crackled and sauté for 30 seconds before adding the tomatoes.
No Tomato VersionNo Tomato Version
You can make this shaak without tomatoes. Simply skip the tomato step and add the spice powders directly to the tempering. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice at the end for a tangy flavor.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a richer texture, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of besan (gram flour) with the spice powders and roast for a minute before adding the beans. This will create a slightly thicker coating.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Cluster beans are an excellent source of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Supports Blood Sugar Control
The high fiber content and a glyconutrient in cluster beans help in regulating blood sugar levels, making this dish a good choice for individuals with diabetes.
Good for Bone Health
Gawar is a good source of calcium and Vitamin K, both of which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Heart Healthy
The fiber in cluster beans helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. This dish is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy dish. Cluster beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar. They are also rich in vitamins K, C, and A. This recipe uses minimal oil and is packed with nutrients from vegetables and spices.