Stir fried French beans in Soy Sauce

Preparation of this dish is almost similar to preparing Stir fried Beans – Chinese way. Ingredients are the same except for addition of soy sauce, powdered fennel seeds instead of crushed, and chilli flakes instead of chopped red chillies. You may use the same if you prefer.

Ingredients (2 servings):

1. Fresh French beans – 200 gms
2. Red Chillies  10-12 crushed or as cut in halves
3. Garlic 10 – 12 pods, finely chopped
4. Fennel seed powder  – 2 tbl spn
5. Oil to fry  2 – 4 tbl spn
6. Soy sauce – 1 tbl spn
7. Salt as needed
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 bens 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 seed powder and sauté them for few seconds and add in the chillies.
6. This whole dish is prepared in high flame. Now add the beans, sprinkle salt followed by soy sauce. 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. Ajino motto is not good for health; if you prefer to add that extra flavour just add a pinch of it, although it is not necessary.