Papli Upkari
A simple, homestyle Konkani stir-fry made with tender flat beans, grated coconut, and a gentle tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves. This dry sabzi is light, mildly spiced, and comes together in under 20 minutes—perfect as a side dish in an everyday meal.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the flat beans.
1.Rinse 400g papli (flat beans) thoroughly under running water.2.Snap off both ends and pull away any strings along the edges.3.Chop the beans into 1-inch pieces and set aside.TIPChoose young, tender beans with no visible bulges — they cook faster and taste sweeter. - temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering.
1.Heat 1 tsp oil in a kadai over medium heat until shimmering.2.Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter (30 sec).3.Add 1 tsp urad dal and sauté until golden (30 sec).4.Toss in 6 curry leaves, 2 broken dried red chilies, and 1 slit green chili. Sauté for 15 seconds until fragrant.TIPDon't let the urad dal burn — it turns bitter. Golden brown is your cue. - saute · ~2 min
Sauté the chopped beans.
1.Add the chopped papli to the tempering and stir well to coat with oil and spices.2.Sauté on medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. - simmer · ~10 min
Steam-cook the beans with salt and water.
1.Sprinkle 1 pinch of salt over the beans and add 2 tbsp water.2.Stir once, cover with a tight lid, and reduce heat to low.3.Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beans are tender but still hold their shape. Stir once halfway through.4.Remove the lid and cook off any remaining moisture for 1 minute.TIPCheck tenderness at 8 minutes — overcooked beans turn mushy and lose their fresh green color. - garnish · ~1 min
Finish with fresh coconut.
1.Turn off the heat.2.Sprinkle 3 tbsp freshly grated coconut over the cooked beans.3.Toss gently to combine, letting the residual warmth release the coconut's aroma. - serve
Serve warm as part of a homestyle meal.
Pair Papli Upkari with steamed rice, dal, and a wedge of lemon for a simple, nourishing Konkani plate.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Snap off the tip of each flat bean and pull down the string to remove any tough fibers.
- 2Always cook the beans covered on low heat — the trapped steam tenderizes them evenly without extra oil.
- 3Add the fresh coconut only after turning off the heat so it stays fluffy and fragrant.
- 4If your beans are older or thicker, add an extra tablespoon of water and steam for 2 more minutes.
- 5Use a heavy kadai or pan with a tight-fitting lid to prevent steam from escaping during the simmer step.
- 6For a brighter color, remove the lid for the last minute of cooking to let the beans breathe.
Adapt it for your goals.
No-coconut
Omit the grated coconut and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar for a lighter, tangy version that still highlights the beans' natural sweetness.
spicierSpicier
Add 1/2 tsp red chili powder or an extra slit green chili during the sauté for those who prefer a fierier heat level.
dal versionDal-version
After steaming the beans, stir in a handful of cooked and drained toor dal (pigeon pea lentils) to turn the dish into a comforting one-pot side with extra protein.
garlic temperingGarlic-tempering
Crush 2 garlic cloves and add them to the tempering just after the urad dal turns golden for a pungent, aromatic twist that deepens the flavour.
veganVegan
This recipe is already vegan as written — simply ensure your oil is plant-based (coconut or sunflower oil works beautifully).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Flat beans (papli) are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Low in Calories and Fat
With just 1 teaspoon of oil and no heavy cream or butter, this stir-fry is a light, waistline-friendly side dish that fits easily into calorie-conscious meals.
Source of Plant-Based Iron
Flat beans provide non-heme iron, and the addition of fresh coconut and curry leaves may slightly enhance absorption when paired with vitamin C-rich sides like lemon.
Contains Beneficial Coconut Fats
Fresh grated coconut offers medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily metabolized for quick energy and may support brain function in moderate amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess water. Reduce the steaming time to 5–6 minutes, as frozen beans are already partially cooked.
