Green beans are variously known as French beans or string beans. They are abundant in the US. They’re a little wet, juicy and crunchy. Growing up in Pakistan, my mother used to serve up a mouth-watering green beans recipe for all sorts of occasions. It is one of the most requested recipes from my family – year-round.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, snap each beans into bite sized pieces
• 2 potatoes, large size, cut into quarters
• 3 fresh tomatoes, medium size, finely chopped
• ½ cup red onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic and ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon all-spice powder
• 4 fresh green chilies, cut diagonally
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons oil for cooking
• Salt as needed

Method:

Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add onions. Cook the onions till they are softened, but not quite translucent or golden brown. Add ginger and garlic paste, and sauté for a few minutes until the garlic is fragrant and brown.  Combine caraway seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and salt with half a cup of water. Stir rapidly. Cook until the oil separates.

Add green beans and potatoes, and sauté with the spice mixture for a few minutes until all the flavors are infused. Then add tomatoes, stirring rapidly for 5 minutes. Now add a cup of water and bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the beans and potatoes are thoroughly cooked. Add all-spices powder, green chili, and lime juice, adjust the salt, and cover. Let it simmer to blend all the flavors for a few minutes.