Ingredients

• 500 g - french beans, chopped into one-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp - bengal gram dal
• 1 - onion, cut into thin slivers
• 3 to 4 - fresh red chillies
• 1inch piece - ginger, peeled
• 3 to 4 flakes - garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp - coconut, grated
• 2 stalks - curry leaves
• 1 tbsp - coriander seeds, finely chopped
• 1 tsp - coriander seed powder
• 1 tsp - black maharasthrian masala powder
• 1/4 tsp - turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp - asafetida powder
• 1/4 tsp - cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp - mustard seeds
• lemon juice to taste
• 2 tbsp - oil
• salt to taste

How to Make Frenchbeans Maharashtrian Style

• Soak bengal gram dal in water for 30 minutes.
• Grind ginger, garlic, chilli and coconut to a paste, keep aside.
• Dissolve all dry masala powders in 1/2 a cup of water and keep aside.
• Heat oil in a heavy saucepan.
• Add seeds, asafetida, curry leaves and allow to splutter.
• Add onions and stir fry for a minute.
• Add ground paste and masala mixture and stir fry till oil separates.
• Add french beans, dal, 1/2 a cup of water and cover it.
• Simmer till cooked.
• Dal should smash when pressure is applied, but do not overcook.
• Add lemon juice and salt and allow excess water to evaporate.
• Add chopped coriander.
• Serve hot with puri or bhakri.