I always look forward to runner bean season, and especially to cooking them in stir-fries with Indian spices. Today’s recipes are very different from each other, not least because they hail from two very different regions, namely Rajasthan and Kerala, respectively, both of which have their own distinct spices and flavours.Beans phali ki sabzi (runner beans with ginger, spices and potatoes) (pictured top)In summer, this sabzi is on rotation in my home. The sourness of dried mango powder and the kick of chilli work really well with the beans, while the addition of mustard oil lends a lovely, pungent flavour. Served with plain rice or chapatis and some yoghurt, this makes for a great midweek dinner.Prep 15 minCook 15 minServes 43 tbsp mustard oil, or vegetable oil1 pinch asafoetida
1 tsp cumin seeds5cm piece root ginger, peeled and finely chopped650g runner beans, trimmed, destringed and cut into roughly 2cm-long, bite-size pieces250g boiled potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped½ tsp kashmiri chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tsp mango powder (AKA amchoor)Salt, to taste1 pinch white granulated sugar1 tbsp finely chopped coriander, to finishPut the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan on a medium heat and, when it’s hot, add the asafoetida and cumin seeds. The moment they start to splutter, add the ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds, then stir in the beans, turn down the heat to low, cover and leave to cook for 10-12 minutes.Add the boiled potatoes, chilli powder, turmeric and mango powder, stir to combine, then season with salt to taste and add a pinch of sugar. Cover again, and leave to fry for two to three minutes.Take off the heat, garnish with the coriander and serve with plain rice or chapatis and plain yoghurt.Runner bean thoranMaunika Gowardhan’s runner bean thoran.A classic side dish from Kerala, thoran can be made with all kinds of vegetables. I’ve used vegetable oil, but if you have some coconut oil to hand, it will give much more flavour to the dish. Traditionally, this would be served with Keralan matta rice (or plain rice) and some dal.Prep 15 minCook 30 minServes 43 tbsp vegetable oil, or coconut oil, if you have some1½ tsp black mustard seeds
