Durban sugar beans curry is a beloved dish that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Durban, South Africa. This vegetarian curry is well-known for its bright tastes and cozy textures. It goes well with roti, rice, or even as a filler for bunny chow, a favorite dish in the area.
Tender sweet beans and flavorful spices come together in this dish to make a filling and healthful supper. This recipe is a mainstay in many Indian homes since it perfectly encapsulates Durban’s cuisine.
Sugar Beans Curry Ingredients
To prepare this delightful sugar beans curry, gather the following ingredients:
250g sugar beans (soaked overnight)
500ml water (for boiling the beans)
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sunflower)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
2 cardamom pods
¼ teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
2 tablespoons curry powder (preferably Durban-style)
1 teaspoon garam masala
¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
3 tablespoons grated tomatoes (or 1 small can of tomato puree)
2 medium potatoes, quartered
5–7 fresh curry leaves
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish
Sugar Beans Curry Preparation Steps
First, get the sugar beans ready. After draining, give the beans a quick rinse with cold water. Rinse the beans and place 500ml of water in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Boil until they are tender but not mushy, about 30 minutes. After the beans are done, drain them, saving the cooking liquid for later use.
Heat the oil in a big pot over medium heat while the beans are boiling. When the onions are golden brown, add the chopped ones and continue to sauté. Present the entire spices: cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. These spices should be sautéed with the onions for around two minutes, or until their aromatic scent releases.
Stir thoroughly after adding the ginger-garlic paste. Add the curry powder, garam masala, and turmeric powder to the mixture after that. Let cook one more minute to let the flavors meld.
It’s time to incorporate the primary elements now. Add the quartered potatoes, grated tomatoes, and drained sweet beans. To make sure the potatoes and beans are well covered with the spice mixture, thoroughly mix everything. To make a small amount of sauce, add a few teaspoons of the saved bean cooking water.
After the potatoes are soft, which should take 15 to 20 minutes, cover the saucepan and cook on medium heat. To keep it from sticking or burning, stir occasionally and add more of the reserved water if required.
When the potatoes are cooked all the way through, add fresh curry leaves and season with salt to taste. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to ensure that all of the ingredients are perfectly combined.
Finally, before serving, sprinkle some freshly cut coriander over your curry made with Durban sugar beans.
See also: How to make Kitchari rice
Serving Suggestions
Durban sugar beans curry is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
With Roti: Soft Indian flatbreads like roti are perfect for scooping up this flavorful curry.
With Rice: Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a fulfilling meal.
As Bunny Chow: Hollow out a loaf of bread and fill it with this delicious curry for an authentic Durban experience.
With Fresh Bread: Enjoy it with slices of buttered white bread to soak up all that rich gravy.
Tips for Perfecting Your Curry
Take into account these suggestions to improve your curry-making abilities and guarantee that it comes out flawlessly each time:
You can mashing some of the cooked potatoes into the sauce if you like a richer gravy.
Use more or less chili powder to suit your own level of spicy preference.
Just before serving, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar for an added kick.
If your curry starts to dry out while it’s cooking, add more plain water or the reserved bean water as needed.
Storing Leftovers
Even while leftovers are usually eaten right away, there are ways to store them so they stay excellent for days:
Refrigeration: Let the curry cool fully before putting it in a tightly closed container. It keeps for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Transfer the cooled curry into freezer-safe bags or containers for extended storage. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave or stovetop cooker when ready to eat.
Variations to Try
While the classic Durban sugar beans curry is delicious on its own, there are numerous variations you can explore to suit your palate or dietary preferences:
Coconut Milk Substitution
Add some coconut milk to your curry for a bit of sweetness and a creamier texture. Add the potatoes and sugar beans, then cover with a can of coconut milk and boil. This version gives the dish an exotic touch and goes really well with rice.
Greens, Including Spinach
Add leafy greens like kale or spinach to your curry to increase its nutritious content. In the final few minutes of cooking, stir them in until they wilt. This boosts the fiber and vitamin content of your dish in addition to improving its color.
The Twist of Meat Lovers
Lamb or chicken make great complements to this dish if you’re looking to add meat. Just add the spices after you’ve sautéed the meat chunks in small bits with the onions. Cook until browned, then add the potatoes and sugar beans according to the recipe.
Blend of Lentils
Combine sugar beans with other legumes, such lentils or chickpeas, for an even heartier meal. This will produce a dish that is fulfilling and full of protein while retaining all of the wonderful tastes.
Conclusion
The comforting flavors of Durban sugar beans curry, a dish that fills many homes with happiness, are captured in this recipe. This curry will wow family and friends whether it’s served as an appetizer or as part of a bigger meal spread.
It is simple to understand why this meal has a unique place in South African cuisine with its flavorful combination of spices and nutritious ingredients. Take pleasure in creating this recipe at home and relish every taste of this delightful culinary custom!
