Chori Nu Shaak

Chori nu shaak is one of those dishes I grew up eating regularly, so this is definitely a tried and tested recipe.

Yard long beans, also called Chinese long bean, cowpeas or chawli na dana, are slender green beans with a slightly sweet taste and a crisp texture.

This quick dish in Gujarati style has simple main ingredients like commonly used Indian dry spices, garlic, and tomatoes. An alternative version I make at home uses corn in place of tomatoes, which is further described below.

Explore 10 basmati rice recipe ideas to serve with this dish.

Here is a video of me making this quick dish:

Ingredients

➜Yardlong Beans (Chori): Fresh and tender beans chopped into bite-sized pieces.

➜Garlic: Adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the dish. Use minced or finely chopped garlic.

➜Tomatoes: Provides a tangy element to balance the flavors. Chop the tomatoes finely.

➜Spices:

• Mustard Seeds (Rai): For tempering and a mild, nutty flavor.
• Cumin Seeds (Jeera): Enhances the overall aroma and taste.
• Asafoetida (Hing): A pinch for umami flavor.
• Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Adds a warm color and subtle earthy taste.
• Cumin-Coriander Powder: A blend for depth of flavor.
• Salt: To taste.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes.
• Red Chili Powder: Adjust according to your spice preference.

Preparation

1. Finely chop garlic.
2. Cube tomatoes into 1-inch pieces. I don’t like to cut them too small because they will turn super mushy and watery.
3. Cut the ends off that yardlong beans. Then chop into about 1/2-3/4 inch pieces.

Making It

1. Heat Oil:
   • Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat

2. Tempering:
   • Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to hot oil.
   • Allow them to sizzle for a 10-15 seconds.
3. Add Garlic:
   • Add finely chopped garlic to the tempered oil.
   • Sauté until just beginning to turn golden brown.

4. Add yardlong beans and spices except sugar.
   • Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder over the vegetables.
   • Add cubed tomatoes and chopped yardlong beans to the pan.

5. Add one cup of water, cover, and cook
   • Turn the heat to medium-low heat  and cover the pot
   • Let cook for about 10-12 minutes

6. Tomatoes and sugar
   • Add tomatoes and sugar, mix well. Cover and cook three more minutes.

7. Garnish (Optional):
   • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.

Variations

1. Chori and Corn Shaak:

➜This variation introduces corn kernels’ sweet and crunchy texture to the dish.

➜The sweetness of corn complements the savory flavor of yardlong beans, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.

➜The corn adds a vibrant touch to the dish, making it visually appealing.

➜To make this version, simply swap out corn for the tomatoes. The remaining ingredients are the same!

2. Chori and Potato Shaak:

➜Potatoes bring a hearty and starchy element to the Chori nu Shaak, making it more filling.

➜The combination of yardlong beans and potatoes provides a satisfying mix of textures, with the beans offering a slight crunch and the potatoes adding a creamy consistency.

➜The potatoes absorb the spices and flavors, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, you could serve it as part of a Gujarati thali with a side of lentil soup (dal).  You could also serve it as a side dish alongside other main courses.

With Rice:

1. Steamed Rice:
   • Serve Chori nu Shaak over steamed basmati rice for a simple pairing.
2. Jeera Rice:
   • Complement with aromatic jeera rice for added flavor.
3. Pulao:
   • Pair with vegetable pulao for a convenient one-pot meal.

With Bread:

1. Roti or Chapati:
   • Ideal with these soft Indian flatbreads.
2. Naan:
   • Pair with naan for a rich and flavorful combination.
3. Paratha:
   • Enjoy with flaky and indulgent paratha.

Sides:

1. Raita:
   • Include a side of cucumber or mint raita for a cooling effect.
2. Pickles:
   • Serve with Indian pickles or chutneys for added tanginess.
3. Fresh Salad:
   • Enjoy with a crisp cucumber, tomato, and onion salad.

Enhancements:

1. Lemon Wedges:
   • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy kick.