Stir fried French beans – Chinese way

I fell in love with this dish when I visited China. As a matter of fact I always preferred stir fried food be it vegetarian or fish or meat in China. All such dishes go along with a bowl of steamed rice. Try this if you go to China. I even had shrimp omelet with rice and it was heavy for a meal. In my preparation I have used olive oil; you can try with whatever oil you use in your kitchen and share how it turned out. It’s an easy dish without complex ingredients. I have tweaked a bit with Indian spices.

 

Ingredients (2 servings):

1. Fresh French beans – 200 gms
2. Red Chillies 10-12 cut in halves or chopped
3. Garlic 8 – 10 pods, finely chopped
4. Fennel seeds crushed – 2 tbl spn
5. Oil to fry  2 – 4 tbl spn
6. Salt as needed
7. Ajinomotto (Optional)
8. A bowl of ice water

Preparation:

1. Wash beans and cut in 3 inch long (approx. the length matches the index finger)
2. Boil water in a large vessel, add salt and the beans. Stir occasionally. Cook beans until they are 3/4^th done. Do not overcook. This process would take approx. 5 – 6 minutes. While the bean is getting cooked prepare the ice water in a bowl.
3. Separate the bean from the hot water and transfer to the prepared ice cold water, this stops the cooking processes and the beans would not turn soggy but crunchy.
4. Transfer the beans from the ice cold water in few seconds; do not let it be there for more than 20 – 30 seconds.
5. Heat a wok or large pan (not kadai) and add oil. Once the oil is hot enough add the garlic followed by fennel seeds and saute them for few seconds and add in the chillies.
6. This whole dish is prepared in high flame. Now add the beans, sprinkle salt. Stir and toss as needed until the beans are fully done.
7. Sever hot with plain rice or can be eaten as starter.

 

Note:
If the beans are not too long, I usually cut off the ends and use the beans as it is in full length.  If you have more beans you have to fry in small batches. Ajinomotto (Monosodium Glutamate) is not good for health; if you prefer to add that extra flavor just add a pinch of it, although it is not necessary.