Cluster beans or Kothavarangai in Tamil, is a legume indigenous to our culture. While green beans are enjoyed by everyone, cluster beans are often forgotten. But this gracious vegetable, deserves to soak in glory, for its health benefits!

Cluster beans are super rich in dietary fibres, maintaining heart and digestive health. It contains Vitamin C and Folic acid, which is important for bone strengthening. Although, consuming huge amounts of cluster bean, if you are not used to it may cause flatulence. This may lead to pain and discomfort in the abdomen.

At solitude, make a yummy Cluster Bean stir fry to go alongside rice, or even chapathis! It’s simple to make.

Chop both ends of the cluster bean, cut it into smaller pieces and boil it in water for about 4-6 minutes. What this does, is reduce the bitterness in the cluster beans, and make it softer for eating. Saute some onions, garlic and turmeric powder in a pan. Add the boiled cluster beans to this, and cook well, until the onions turn golden. Finish with salt to taste.

Take it off the heat, and garnish with some fresh grated coconut, to balance the little bitterness in the cluster bean!

Growing the cluster bean:

The cluster bean is easily propagated by seed. Empty a fully ripened bean pod and dry the seeds in the sun until they are fully dry. Sow the seeds 1-1.5 inches deep in soil. Cluster bean thrives perfectly on well-drained, sandy and loamy soil.