Green Bean, Corn, and Coconut Stir-Fry (Thoren)

A flavorful Indian-style stir-fry combining crisp green beans and sweet corn with aromatic spices, fresh curry leaves, and coconut. This vegetarian dish features a perfect balance of textures and warming spices including cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds.

4 servings
28 min

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup grated dried unsweetened coconut
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 whole small fresh green chile
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
  • teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
  • 15 leaves fresh curry leaves
  • 1 pound green beans
  • 3 ears corn
  • 2 cups corn kernels

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Stir together coconut, cumin, coriander, cayenne, turmeric, chile, garlic, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Heat oil in a wok or 12-inch heavy skillet (not nonstick) over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then cook mustard seeds and red pepper flakes until mustard seeds begin to pop and/or turn gray. Add curry leaves (if using), covering skillet immediately as they crackle for a few seconds.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Add green beans and corn and stir-fry 8 minutes. Add coconut mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. If mixture becomes dry and begins to stick to bottom of wok, add a few tablespoons water. Season with salt.

    18 min