Valpapdi Bhaji

Valpapdi Bhaji in Marathi

Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 lb Valpapdi beans (I used round valpapdi)
For tempering:- 2 tsp oil, 2 pinches mustard seeds, 2 pinches cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp hing, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 4-5 curry-leaves
2 tbsp fresh coconut, scraped
1 tbsp roasted peanuts powder (optional)
1 tsp Goda Masala (optional)
2 Kokum pieces
1 tbsp jaggery or to taste
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Wash and string valpapdli beans. Cut them into 1 cm pieces.
2) Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, turmeric powder, red chili powder and curry leaves.
3) Add chopped valpapdi and stir for 2 minutes. Add salt, kokum and around 1/2 cup of water. Mix, cover and cook for 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Do not let the sabzi become dry. So add little water if required.
4) Cook till valpapdi becomes soft (about 10-12 minutes). Add coconut, goda masala, jaggery and peanuts powder. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes. (This bhaji tastes better if it has slightly juicy consistency)

Tips:
1) Valpapdi has its own nice earthy flavor. Some people like to enjoy it without any spices. Therefore, Goda masala is optional. Also, you may add other spice blend like, garam masala, kitchen king masala etc.