Goruchikkudu Vepudu
A simple, everyday Andhra-style stir-fry where tender cluster beans are cooked with a nutty roasted spice powder. The beans turn crisp-tender, coated in a fragrant mix of sesame, peanut, and coconut. It's a dry, deeply savory side that punches well above its humble ingredients.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the cluster beans.
Rinse the cluster beans well. Trim both ends and cut into 1-inch pieces. Discard any tough or blemished beans.
- roast · ~5 min
Roast and grind the spice powder.
1.In a small dry pan over low heat, roast sesame seeds until golden and popping (1 minute). Transfer to a plate.2.In the same pan, roast peanuts until fragrant and speckled (2 minutes). Cool completely.3.Dry roast desiccated coconut until just golden (30 seconds). Turn off heat and cool.4.Grind roasted sesame, peanuts, coconut, cumin powder, and red chili powder to a coarse powder. Do not grind to a paste.TIPKeep the powder coarse for best texture. Over-grinding releases oil and turns it pasty. - temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat oil in a kadai over medium heat until shimmering.2.Add mustard seeds and let them splutter (30 seconds).3.Add cumin seeds and dried red chili, fry until fragrant (20 seconds).4.Add crushed garlic and sauté until golden and aromatic (30 seconds). - saute · ~15 min
Cook the onions and beans.
1.Add chopped onion to the tempering and sauté until translucent (3 minutes).2.Add the cut cluster beans and turmeric powder. Stir to coat the beans with oil and aromatics.3.Add ¼ cup water and salt. Stir once, cover, and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes until beans are tender but still have a slight bite.4.Remove lid and dry out any remaining moisture over medium heat, stirring gently.TIPDon't overcook the beans — they should be tender-crisp, not mushy. - mix · ~2 min
Finish with the spice powder.
1.Sprinkle the ground spice powder over the cooked beans.2.Stir gently to coat every piece evenly. Cook on low heat for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.3.Check salt and adjust. Turn off the heat.TIPStir gently so the beans don't break apart. - garnish
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.
Transfer to a serving bowl, scatter fresh chopped coriander leaves on top, and serve immediately with steamed rice and a lentil dish.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Trim cluster beans just before cooking to prevent browning and retain freshness.
- 2Roast the peanut-sesame-coconut mix on low heat to avoid burning; cool completely before grinding.
- 3Grind the spice powder to a coarse texture—fine grinding releases oils and makes it pasty.
- 4Cook cluster beans covered on low heat until tender-crisp, checking at 8 minutes to avoid mushiness.
- 5Dry out any residual water after steaming the beans to keep the stir-fry dry and coating intact.
- 6Stir the spice powder gently into the beans so they don't break apart and lose their shape.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 100 g of boiled and cubed potato or 50 g of roasted chana dal (split chickpeas) with the beans for extra protein and a heartier texture.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce oil to 1 tablespoon and dry-roast the tempering spices and garlic in a non-stick pan before adding a splash of water to cook the onions and beans.
veganVegan
This recipe is already vegan; ensure the desiccated coconut is unsweetened and no ghee is substituted for oil.
jainJain
Omit garlic and onion; temper with asafoetida (hing) and use a pinch of ginger powder for a Jain-friendly version with the same nutty spice coat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Cluster beans are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, supporting healthy digestion and prolonged satiety.
Plant-Based Protein
Peanuts and sesame seeds contribute complete plant protein, which helps in muscle repair and maintenance.
Antioxidant-Rich Spices
Turmeric, cumin, and red chili provide curcumin and other antioxidants that combat oxidative stress.
Healthy Fats from Nuts and Seeds
Sesame seeds and peanuts offer unsaturated fats that support heart health when eaten in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute with green beans or French beans; adjust cooking time as they cook faster, usually 5-7 minutes covered.
