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Delicious Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Sri Lankan Green Bean Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful vegetable dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with aromatic spices, curry leaves, chili, and coconut milk. The stir fry combines the unique flavors of Sri Lankan curry powder and Maldive fish with the creamy richness of coconut milk, making it a perfect side dish to complement warm basmati rice. It is quick to prepare and offers a deliciously spicy and fragrant vegetable option with a slightly al dente texture.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 12 oz fresh green beans (about 350 - 400 g), sliced into 2 - 3 inch pieces
  • ½ of a large onion, sliced lengthwise into ½ cm slices
  • 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, cut into strips or roughly chopped
  • 8 - 10 curry leaves
  • 2 serrano peppers / long green chili, cut lengthwise (remove seeds if less heat is desired)

Spices and Seasonings

  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp Sri Lankan curry powder
  • 1 tbsp Maldive fish (or substitute with anchovy paste or fish sauce)
  • 1 tsp sugar (white, brown, or honey can be used)
  • 1 tbsp chili flakes (crushed red pepper), adjust to taste
  • ¾ tsp sea salt, plus more to taste

Oils and Liquids

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil (or any cooking oil)
  • ½ cup full fat coconut milk or cream
  • Extra water and/or coconut milk if needed

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet: Heat a large 12 inch skillet over medium high to high heat until it is hot to ensure proper stir frying.
  2. Sauté onions: Add the oil and sliced onions to the hot skillet. Sauté the onions while the oil heats up and until they start to soften.
  3. Add aromatics: Add the chopped garlic, ginger, curry leaves, and green chili peppers to the skillet with the onions.
  4. Softening aromatics: Stir and sauté this mixture for a couple of minutes until the garlic begins to soften and become fragrant.
  5. Add spices and flavorings: Mix in the ground turmeric, Maldive fish, sugar, Sri Lankan curry powder, and chili flakes/crushed red pepper.
  6. Cook spices with onions: Stir fry this blend with the onions for 2 to 5 minutes, ensuring the pan remains hot before proceeding.
  7. Add green beans and salt: Add the sliced green beans and ¾ tsp sea salt. Stir fry over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the beans turn a bright green color and are well coated with the spices.
  8. Add coconut milk and reduce heat: Pour in the coconut milk and lower the heat to medium high. Continue stir frying until the coconut milk has completely evaporated.
  9. Adjust bean texture: At this stage, the beans should be bright green and al dente. To soften them further, add more coconut milk or water and cook longer as desired.
  10. Season to taste: Taste and add more salt if needed to balance the flavors.
  11. Serve: Serve the Sri Lankan Green Bean Stir Fry hot alongside warm basmati rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Maldive fish adds umami and depth; if unavailable, substitute with anchovy paste or a small amount of fish sauce.
  • Adjust chili flakes and serrano peppers according to your preferred heat level.
  • Use full fat coconut milk or cream for richness; reduced fat versions will alter the texture and flavor.
  • Stir frying on high heat keeps the beans crisp and bright green.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently to maintain texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Sri Lankan

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/sri-lankan-green-bean-stir-fry-recipe/