Gavar Bhaji
A classic Maharashtrian stir-fry featuring tender cluster beans and a nutty crunch from roasted peanuts. This simple, flavorful sabzi gets its unique taste from goda masala and a hint of jaggery.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Beans and Peanut Powder
- Wash the cluster beans thoroughly. Trim both ends and chop them into 1-inch pieces.
- In a small, dry pan over low-medium heat, roast the raw peanuts for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and have light brown spots. Be careful not to burn them.
- Allow the peanuts to cool completely, then transfer them to a grinder or use a mortar and pestle to crush them into a coarse powder. Set aside.
Create the Tempering (Tadka)
- Heat the vegetable oil in a kadai or a wide pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté for another 30 seconds until the cumin seeds sizzle and become fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
Cook the Cluster Beans
- Add the chopped cluster beans to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are well-coated with the tempered oil.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine all the spices with the beans.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of water, give it a good stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the beans cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir once or twice in between to prevent sticking. The beans should be tender but retain a slight crunch.
Add Final Flavorings
- Once the beans are cooked, remove the lid.
- Add the coarsely crushed peanuts, goda masala, grated jaggery, and tamarind paste to the pan.
- Stir gently to combine everything. The peanut powder will absorb any excess moisture.
- Cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the jaggery to melt and all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve the Gavar Bhaji hot with fresh chapatis, jowar bhakri, or as a side dish with dal and steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use tender, young cluster beans for the best texture and flavor. Mature beans can be fibrous and slightly bitter.
- 2The texture of the peanut powder is crucial. A coarse grind provides a lovely nutty crunch, whereas a fine powder can make the dish pasty.
- 3Goda masala is the heart of this recipe's authentic taste. If unavailable, you can use garam masala, but the flavor profile will differ.
- 4Adjust the jaggery and tamarind to your liking to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.
- 5Do not overcook the gavar. It should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it for the best experience.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gavar Batata Bhaji (With Potato)
Add one small potato, peeled and diced, along with the cluster beans in Step 3. You may need to add a little extra water and cook for a few more minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Coconut VersionCoconut Version
For a coastal flavor, replace the peanut powder with 1/4 cup of freshly grated coconut. Add it at the same stage as the peanut powder (Step 4).
No Garlic/Jain VersionNo Garlic/Jain Version
Simply omit the garlic from the tempering in Step 2. The dish will still be flavorful due to the other spices.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 green chilies, slit lengthwise, along with the garlic in the tempering step for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Cluster beans are an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion, helps prevent constipation, promotes a feeling of fullness, and can assist in regulating blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
The addition of roasted peanuts not only adds a delightful crunch but also boosts the protein content of the dish, making it more satiating and beneficial for muscle maintenance and repair.
Supports Bone Health
Gavar is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, two essential minerals that are crucial for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, potentially reducing the risk of bone-related ailments.
Packed with Vitamins
This vegetable is rich in essential vitamins like Vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Gavar Bhaji, also known as Gavar ki Sabzi, is a traditional dry vegetable stir-fry from the Indian state of Maharashtra. It features cluster beans (gavar) cooked with a signature blend of spices, coarsely crushed peanuts, jaggery, and tamarind, creating a unique sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor profile.