Dum Ki Gavar Ki phalli(Cluster Beans cooked in Sesame seed paste)

This is a lesser known Hyderabadi dish which is a family favorite. When cluster beans( scientific name is Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba- phew! quite a mouthful isn't it?) are in season I am flooded with little boxes.Although stringing the beans and chopping them is a laborious task, the end result is perfect and delectable.Try choosing tender and green cluster beans that are free from blemishes on the exterior,the mature beans have a slight bitter taste.This is traditionally cooked in the dum technique, about which I had written in a previous post ( veg dum biryani) over a low flame, tightly sealed.However, I achieve the same result with the use of a pressure pan.These beans are considered to be of help in controlling diabetes.

Dum Ki Gavar ki phalli(Cluster beans/Guar beans)

Ingredients:
400 gms cluster beans(gavar ki phalli)
4 onions finely chopped
1/2 tsp turmeric
3/4 tsp chilli powder
3 tbs oil
2 tsp /coriander(dhanya)powder
salt as required

For the paste:
2 tbs roasted sesame seeds
1 green chilly (optional)
1 inch piece of ginger
3 cloves of garlic

Procedure:
Wash the beans and string them.Top and tail and finally chop them into half inch strips.Now, prepare a thick paste of the ingredients listed under the same caption.(The sesame seeds should be first powdered dry and then the remaining ingredients added with a little water)Now, mix the sesame seed paste, spices, salt onions and oil with the beans, saute for a minute and then pressure cook them in a pressure pan, with 3/4 cup water for about two whistles till the beans are tender.If water remains on opening the pan then, return it to the stove and cook till the oil appears over the edges.The water should completely evaporate, however, the curry should be moist and not too dry.

Variation:You could even try this dish with french beans.