Desi Chori Beans Soupy Curry (Bagde Saar Upkari/ Bagde Saaru)

Desi Chori Beans or Bagdo is a delicious bean and is packed with nutrition. In Konkani, we know this bean as Bagdo or Bagado and in US they are available in Indian grocery stores as Desi Chori Beans or Whole Cow Beans. More often than not, they are used in my home in sprouted form for Desi Chori Beans in Coconut and Cashew curry. This is a tasty dish and is relished by my family.

Recently, I stumbled upon the idea of Saaru or Saaru-Upkari version of Desi Chori Beans. This recipe is good for days when you want wholesome side dish but at the same time wish to eliminate coconut from the diet. This recipe is called Saaru-Upkari because the soup of the bean (Saaru) serves as a complimentary dish for the rice and the beans serve as Upkari on the side. Some call this Saaru-Upkari or Saaru as it was addressed in my home. The cooking process is very simple. Just soak desired quantity of Beans in water for few hours, pressure cook them and season them with Garlic-Oil or Curry leaves-Mustard seeds-Oil; your choice of seasoning gives the unique flavour for the dish. I found three sized varieties of Desi Chori Beans, some which I got from India. I use small and medium sized beans for Saaru and the larger sized ones for the Coconut based curry with Cashew.

Preparation time: 300 minutes (including soaking time)

Cooking time: 30 minutes (includes pressure cooking time)

Ingredients:

Desi Chori Beans or Bagado or Whole Cow Beans - 3/4 cup

Green Chillies (sliced) - 2

Salt

Oil

Seasoning:

Garlic - 4-5 pods

Red Chillies (Byadgi) - 1

Oil

Method:

Wash the beans and soak them in water for 4-6 hours. The beans will be swollen and increase in size. Pressure cook them for 4 whistles or pan-cook them till they are completely done. If using Pressure Cooker, allow to cool and transfer to another pot and bring to boil. Mash the beans lightly to enhance the flavours. Add enough water to soak the beans completely. Simmer on low flame for 5-8 minutes till they are completely done. Turn off the flame.

In a separate frying pan, heat oil, add red chillies and garlic. Fry Garlic till they are charred. Turn off flame and pour this seasoning on the beans consistency. Cover with a lid. Mix while serving and serve with warm rice.

Note: Remove the chillies before serving if desired. Retain the skin on Garlic while adding for seasoning, this certainly enhances the flavours and oils embedded in the herb.