French Beans Foogath

French beans - 200 g
Onion - 1
Green chillies - 1
Cooking oil - 1 tablespoon
Mustard seeds - 3/4 teaspoon
Curry leaves - 4
Salt - as per taste ( or 1/2 teaspoon )
Grated coconut - 1 tablespoon
Lemon juice - 1 teaspoon

String and disc French beans finely. Peel onion and chop them. Wash green chilli and chop finely.

Heat oil in a kadai / frying pan. Add mustard seeds and curry leaves. When mustard seeds begin to crackle, add chopped onion and green chilli. Stir on a medium heat for 2 - 3 minute. Do not brown onion.

Add diced French beans and salt to taste. Cook covered on a low heat for five to seven minutes ( do not add water ) or till beans are cooked but still a little crunchy.

Add grated fresh coconut and lemon juice. Mix well and serve hot.

Chef?s tip: Do not overcook beans as they tend to lose color and also the texture. This dish can be also enjoyed cold. After cooling, or if some of it is leftover, keep the beans foogath in the refrigerator and while serving, garnish with chopped onions, chopped green coriander and a little lime juice.