Papdi Bhaji is a simple mildly spiced sautéed and steamed dry preparation made with a handful of ingredients - flat green beans (surti papdi, val papdi), shallots, few spices and coconut.
Rinse the papdi or flat beans first very well in water.
Drain the water.
Then string them and open the pods. Check for any worms. If there are no worms, then break or chop them straight or diagonally into 1 inch or 1.5 inches pieces.
If there are worms in the pods, then throw these pods away.
Making papdi bhaji
Heat oil in a pan or kadai.
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté on low to medium-heat till the onions soften.
Then add the finely chopped garlic and chopped green chilies.
Sauté for some seconds and add the turmeric powder.
Stir and then add the chopped papdi or flat beans.
Sprinkle salt and 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. Stir to combine.
Cover the pan with a rimmed plate or lid.
Pour water over the plate.
On a low heat simmer the flat beans till they are cooked completely.
Check in between and give a gentle stir.
If the water dries up in the pan, then sprinkle some water in the pan. Mix again, cover pan with lid and continue to cook.
If the water dries up in the lid, then add more water on the lid.
When the beans are tender, cooked and if there is water in the pan, then simmer without the lid, so that the water dries up. Some moisture should be there in the dish. The beans should not get browned or crisp.
Add the grated coconut and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more on a low heat.
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve the Papdi Bhaji with roti or chapati.
Notes
Stringing and opening the bean pods take time. So you can prep ahead by doing this task a day before and storing the beans in the refrigerator.
This same recipe can also be made with any kind of flat beans and even french beans.
Use any neutral flavored oil. You can also use coconut oil.
The recipe can be easily scaled to make for more servings.