Field Beans/Val Beans/Mochai Poriyal

Mochai Poriyal is very simple and easy to make. The recipe has been handed down from my great-grandmother’s kitchen. It makes for a very interesting side dish and appears even in wedding feasts. It is also suited for packed lunches as it is a dry preparation.

Mochai (field beans) is a favorite bean among the people of Thirunelveli. It used to be available mainly during our so-called winter but is now available year-round.

Ingredients

Field beans/Val beans – 1 cup
Onion – 1
Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
Urad dal – 1tsp
Curry leaves – 1 leaflet
Chilli powder – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Salt for taste
Oil for seasoning

Steps

Pressure cook the field beans with salt for 4 whistles and keep aside. Allow to cool down.

Once the pressure is released, remove the lid and filter the boiled field beans.

Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and urad dal. Add curry leaves when the mustard seeds start spluttering.

Add onion and stir it until it becomes translucent.

Now add field beans and stir it.

Add Chilli powder and turmeric powder and stir it.

Finally, add coriander leaves and serve it.

Try it. Post your comments and suggestions.