icon-account icon-glass
ORDER THE MEYER LEMON ACHAAR

Romano Bean and Coconut Stir-Fry

Recipe by
Chachu Lokuse
Serves

4

Difficulty
Beginner
Romano Bean and Coconut Stir-Fry
Photo by:  

Melati Citrawireja

In Keralan cooking, there are two styles of everyday vegetable preparations, which both rely heavily on coconut: Thoran (cooked until al dente with a little oil and grated coconut) and Mezhukkupuratti (cooked with more oil until softer with shaved or grated coconut). This recipe is your guide to Keralan vegetable cooking technique no matter the veggie. If you can’t find romano beans, sub in green beans, wax beans, or snap peas. Enjoy with rice or Skillet Appams, or as a side to Pepper Pork (both recipes in the cookbook!). Adapted by Asha Loupy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (50 grams) fresh coconut or ½ cup (42 grams) thawed, frozen grated coconut
  • ¾ pound (340 grams) romano beans
  • 3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
  • 2 large shallots, diced (about ⅓ pound, 150 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon Bindu Black Mustard seeds
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 serrano pepper, finely chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon (about 2 tablespoons) 

Methods

  1. To prepare the fresh coconut, cut into 1-inch strips and then thinly slice crosswise. If using frozen coconut, thaw and set aside. Trim the stem end off the romano beans and cut on the bias into ¾-inch pieces.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. When almost smoking, add the romano beans, spreading them into an even layer. Sprinkle the shallots and ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt over the beans, and let cook undisturbed until the beans start to blister and char, 4 to 6 minutes.
  3. Give everything a stir and cook until the shallots just start to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Make a 4-inch space in the center of the pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil, mustard seeds, garlic, serrano pepper, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. Cook, stirring the aromatics, until the garlic starts to turn light golden, 1 to 2 minutes. 
  4. Stir in the reserved coconut, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the coconut is heated through, and the beans are tender but still retain a slight bite. Turn off the heat and finish with the lemon juice. Taste and add more salt or lemon juice, if necessary. 

This Recipe Features

Left image

Liked this recipe?

You'd love The Diaspora Co. Cookbook, featuring 95+ recipes straight from our partner farms!

Shop the Cookbook

Most Loved Recipes

Ready to spice up your inbox?

“I hate literally all marketing emails except for yours!!” - Sarah

My Cart ( items)

Add to unlock 3 free spice spoons
They're stainless steel, upcycled, and super handy!
You unlocked 3 free spice spoons!
Add to unlock free shipping!
Your order ships free in the US!
Add to unlock A free mystery dish towel worth $12
Add to unlock free shipping
Add to unlock A free mystery dish towel worth $12
Add to unlock free shipping!
You unlocked 3 free spice spoons!
Add to unlock A free mystery dish towel worth $12!
You unlocked 3 free spice spoons!

Your order ships free in the US!
Yay! You unlocked 2 free gifts.
Free shipping (US) will apply at checkout.
Gift Icon

Your cart is empty!
Add products to unlock free gifts + free shipping!

FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE

FREE!

FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE

FREE!

Last minute essentials

The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook

The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook

The Spice Sampler

The Spice Sampler

Bageecha Tee

Bageecha Tee

Pantry Essentials Tote

Pantry Essentials Tote