Kashmiri-style Spicy Stir-Fried Green Beans (Ganbian Sijidou)

Ingredients

In this Kashmiri adaptation, the traditional Chinese flavors of Ganbian Sijidou are enhanced with the distinct spices and ingredients of Kashmiri cuisine. The addition of Kashmiri red chili powder, fennel seeds, and ginger gives the dish a unique flavor profile, setting it apart from the original Chinese version. The use of local Kashmiri ingredients adds an authentic touch to the recipe, making it a delightful fusion of Chinese and Kashmiri culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Ganbian sijidou, so you can check it out.

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 500 grams (1.1 lbs) green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Add the fennel seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the pan and sauté for a minute until aromatic.
4. 4.
   Add the green beans to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground cumin, and salt over the green beans. Stir well to coat the beans evenly with the spices.
6. 6.
   Continue stir-frying for another 4-5 minutes until the green beans are cooked but still retain their crunch.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
8. 8.
   Serve hot as a side dish with steamed rice or Kashmiri bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Green beans — Make sure to trim the ends and cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of Kashmiri red chili flakes to the dish.
• Adjust the spice level according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder.
• Serve the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• To make it a complete meal, add cooked potatoes or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the stir-fry.
• Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to add variety to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Kashmiri-style Spicy Stir-Fried Green Beans as a side dish alongside a traditional Kashmiri meal. It pairs well with steamed rice, Kashmiri pulao, or Kashmiri bread like naan or roti.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of Kashmiri red chili flakes and fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in a vibrant Kashmiri copper or ceramic dish to enhance the visual appeal.