French Beans Sukka
A delicious South Indian dry curry where tender French beans are tossed in a freshly ground coconut and spice masala. This Mangalorean classic is a perfect side dish for rice and sambar, offering a wonderful mix of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the Masala Spices
- b.In a small, dry pan over low-medium heat, add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and dry red chilies.
- c.Dry roast for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until they become aromatic and slightly darker. Be careful not to burn them.
- d.Remove the spices from the pan and let them cool down completely.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Grind the Sukka Masala Paste
- b.Transfer the cooled roasted spices to a grinder jar.
- c.Add the grated coconut, turmeric powder, and tamarind paste.
- d.Add 3 tablespoons of water and grind to a coarse, thick paste. The texture should be slightly grainy, not a smooth puree.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the French Beans
- b.Steam the chopped French beans for 6-8 minutes until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch (tender-crisp).
- c.Alternatively, you can boil them in a small amount of water with a pinch of salt for 5-7 minutes, then drain all the water thoroughly.
- d.Set the cooked beans aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Tempering and Cook the Masala
- b.Heat coconut oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
- d.Add the urad dal and sauté for about a minute until it turns light golden brown.
- e.Add the curry leaves and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- f.Add the ground sukka masala paste to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the raw smell of the masala disappears and it starts to look dry.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Finish the Dish
- b.Add the steamed French beans to the pan along with salt and powdered jaggery (if using).
- c.Gently toss everything together until the beans are well-coated with the masala.
- d.Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The final dish should be dry.
- e.Serve hot as a side dish with rice and sambar or dal.
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, ensure the beans are tender-crisp, not mushy. Steaming is the ideal method to achieve this.
- 2Freshly grated coconut provides the most authentic flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure it's fully thawed.
- 3The sukka masala paste should be coarse. A fine paste will result in a different, less traditional texture.
- 4Adjust the number of dry red chilies to control the spice level. Byadgi chilies offer great color with moderate heat.
- 5A small amount of jaggery is key to balancing the tangy tamarind and spicy chilies, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Swap
This sukka masala works wonderfully with other vegetables like cluster beans (gawar), long beans (alasande), mushrooms, or even potatoes.
Add GarlicAdd Garlic
For a different flavor note, you can add 2-3 cloves of garlic while grinding the masala paste.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Add boiled chickpeas or black-eyed peas along with the French beans for a more substantial and protein-rich dish.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Add a tablespoon of roasted peanuts or cashews at the end for extra crunch and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
French beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Healthy Fats
The use of fresh coconut and coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that can provide energy and support metabolism.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin) and coriander seeds used in the masala are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Source of Plant-Based Nutrients
This dish is packed with vitamins (like Vitamin K and C from beans) and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to a plant-based diet.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a healthy dish. French beans are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of coconut provides healthy fats, and the spices like turmeric and coriander have anti-inflammatory properties. It is naturally gluten-free and plant-based.