Beans with Coconut and Cilantro

Introduction

History

The origins of Beans with Coconut and Cilantro can be traced back to the coastal regions where coconut is a staple ingredient in many dishes. Over time, the recipe has evolved, incorporating various local spices and ingredients, making it a beloved dish in many cultures. Its simplicity and the availability of its ingredients have made it a popular choice for a nutritious meal across different households.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavors of this dish, it's recommended to toast the spices before adding them to the oil. This releases their essential oils and makes the dish more aromatic. Additionally, using freshly grated coconut instead of desiccated coconut can add more moisture and sweetness to the dish. For a creamier texture, you can also blend some of the beans before adding them to the pot.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served with a side of green vegetables or a simple salad to add freshness and balance the flavors. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside rice or flatbread.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the spices and garlic in oil before adding the other ingredients helps to infuse the dish with flavor. Parboiling the potatoes ensures they are perfectly cooked without becoming mushy when added to the beans and coconut.

Ingredient Substitutions

If desiccated coconut is not available, you can use coconut milk for a creamier texture. Fresh lime juice can be substituted with vinegar for a tangy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste of the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in a colorful bowl, garnished with extra chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime on the side for an added zest.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine or a citrusy beer pairs well with the flavors of this dish, complementing its richness and spice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beans with Coconut and Cilantro contains approximately 250 calories, making it a suitable option for those managing their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the beans and potatoes, providing the necessary energy for your daily activities. A serving of this dish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come mainly from the vegetable oil and the coconut. However, by using a minimal amount of oil and opting for unsweetened desiccated coconut, the dish remains relatively low in unhealthy fats. A serving contains about 10 grams of fat, most of which are healthy fats from the coconut.

Proteins

Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this dish a great option for vegetarians and vegans. A serving of Beans with Coconut and Cilantro provides approximately 8 grams of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of ingredients used. Beans and potatoes are good sources of potassium, while cilantro provides vitamins A and C. The spices, particularly turmeric, offer anti-inflammatory benefits and are rich in antioxidants.

Alergens

The primary allergen in this recipe is coconut. Individuals with a coconut allergy should avoid this dish or substitute the coconut with a suitable alternative.

Summary

Overall, Beans with Coconut and Cilantro is a nutritious dish that provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome choice for a meal that supports overall health.

Summary

Beans with Coconut and Cilantro is a delightful dish that combines simple ingredients to create a burst of flavor. It's nutritious, versatile, and easy to make, making it an excellent addition to your meal planning. Whether you're looking for a comforting meal or a healthy option, this dish is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Beans with Coconut and Cilantro. It was a hot summer day in the bustling streets of Mumbai, India. I was just a young girl, curious and eager to learn the ways of cooking from my grandmother, who was a renowned chef in our community.

My grandmother, with her graceful movements and gentle smile, was like a magician in the kitchen. She would effortlessly whip up the most delicious dishes, each one more flavorful than the last. On this particular day, she was preparing a special meal for a family gathering, and I had the privilege of being her sous chef.

As she gathered the ingredients for the beans dish, I watched intently, trying to absorb every detail of her technique. She started by soaking the beans in water, explaining that this would help them cook faster and become tender. Then, she chopped up some fresh cilantro and grated a coconut, the aroma wafting through the kitchen and making my mouth water.

Next, she heated some ghee in a large pot and added a medley of spices - cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. The sizzle of the spices hitting the hot ghee was music to my ears, and I couldn't wait to see what magic would come next.

Once the spices were fragrant and toasted, my grandmother added the soaked beans to the pot, along with some water and salt. She let the beans simmer and cook slowly, the flavors melding together to create a rich and aromatic broth.

As the beans cooked, my grandmother told me the story behind this recipe. She explained that it was a traditional dish from the southern part of India, where coconuts were plentiful and used in many dishes. The combination of the creamy coconut, the earthy beans, and the bright cilantro was a celebration of the flavors of the region.

She went on to tell me that she had learned this recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own twist and making it their own.

As the beans simmered away, my grandmother taught me how to make the accompanying rice dish that would go perfectly with it. She showed me how to wash the rice until the water ran clear, and then how to cook it with some whole spices like cloves and cardamom for added fragrance.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the beans were ready. My grandmother stirred in the grated coconut and chopped cilantro, and the kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of our labor.

As we sat down to eat, my grandmother watched me eagerly, waiting for my reaction. And as I took my first bite of the beans with coconut and cilantro, I was transported to a different world. The flavors were bold and complex, the coconut adding a creamy richness to the dish, and the cilantro adding a fresh pop of flavor.

I looked up at my grandmother with tears in my eyes, overwhelmed by the beauty of the dish and the love that had gone into making it. She smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Years have passed since that summer day in Mumbai, but the memory of learning to make Beans with Coconut and Cilantro with my grandmother still warms my heart. I have since shared this recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of good food and family bonding that my grandmother taught me.

And every time I make this dish, I am reminded of the love and care that went into creating it, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love. Cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about creating memories and traditions that will last a lifetime.

Categories

| Black-eyed Pea Recipes | Burundian Recipes | Burundian Vegetarian | Cilantro Recipes | Coconut Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Potato Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients