Kurdish-style Spicy Green Beans

Ingredients

While the original Bonchi kora is a Korean dish that typically includes soy sauce and sesame oil, this Kurdish adaptation replaces those ingredients with a blend of aromatic spices commonly used in Kurdish cuisine. The dish also incorporates traditional Kurdish cooking techniques, such as sautéing the green beans with onions and garlic, to enhance the flavors and textures. The result is a unique fusion of Korean inspiration and Kurdish culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Bonchi kora, so you can check it out.

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) fresh green beans, trimmed 500 grams (1.1 lbs) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the trimmed green beans to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, chili flakes, and salt over the green beans. Mix well to coat the beans evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the green beans cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender yet still retain their crispness.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve hot as a side dish or as part of a Kurdish feast.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Green beans — Make sure to trim the ends of the green beans before cooking to remove any tough parts.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili flakes according to your preference.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili flakes.
• Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• This dish pairs well with traditional Kurdish rice pilaf or flatbread.
• Experiment with adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or tomatoes for added variety.

Serving advice

Serve the Kurdish-style spicy green beans as a side dish alongside main courses like grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a light and flavorful snack.

Presentation advice

Arrange the green beans neatly on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve the dish warm to showcase its vibrant appearance.