How to plant cluster beans:

Found the sunniest spot of your garden and remove the weeds. Sow seeds ½ to 1 inch deep in loose, well drained soil with a lot of compost and farm manure mixed in it. Seedlings will germinate in a few days, thin out the healthiest of them 6 inches. Water well until the plants establish growth.

Cluster beans, known as kothavarangai in Tamil and is widely used in south Indian cooking in Tamil Nadu.

Benefits of Cluster beans

Anemia:

 Proper blood flow in the body is essential for the smooth functioning of all the organs of the body and for better physical health. Anemia is caused by a deficiency of white blood cells. People with anemia eat a lot of Cluster beans which eliminates anemia and brings the body back to a healthy state.

Fiber:

 It is very important to have fiber in the food we eat. Fiber helps reduce unwanted cholesterol in the body. In addition, cluster bean is high in protein, carbohydrates, minerals and soluble fiber, which helps keep our body healthy.

Immunity:

Every day, when we go outside, we face attacks of various types of germs. It is our body's immune system that protects us from diseases caused by such germs. If you add more Cluster beans in your diet, it will boost our body's immune system and protect us from diseases.

Skin Health:

 The outer skin called our skin protects our body and gives us a beautiful look. Cluster beans are very helpful for skin problems. The anti-oxidant chemicals in Cluster beans remove damaged tissue from the skin. It also prevents dark spots and pimples from appearing on the face.

Constipation:

 For some people, the balance of digestive acids in the stomach is disturbed, causing problems with digestion and constipation. Cluster beans are high in fiber. Constipation can be cured by consuming Cluster beans fry, joint etc. in the daily diet of such people.

Teeth, Bones:

 The body needs calcium energy. This calcium energy is essential for the stability of the body's teeth and bones. Cluster bean has the power of calcium. Eating foods made with Cluster beans once or twice a week will increase the stability of teeth and bones.

Heart Diseases:

People with heart disease and disorders need to eat more natural foods such as fruits and vegetables. Cluster beans are good for the heart. Frequent consumption of Cluster beans greatly reduces the chances of heart attack.

Mental stress:

 Some people are more prone to problems like tension, stress, nervous disorders, insomnia due to hectic lifestyle and high urgency in anything. Cluster beans are high in nerve-strengthening nutrients. So eating Cluster beans from time to time will improve physical and mental health.

Body weight:

  Although Cluster beans are low in calories, it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Those who want to lose weight fast should include more Cluster beans in their diet.

What is Vathal ?

The sun dried vegetables are called Vathal. It’s one of the traditional and oldest way to preserver the vegetables.

What is the right time to make ?

Tamil month “Maasi” is the perfect time for making. The main reason is the warm weather in the morning.

Recipe:

INGREDIENTS:

1) 1/2 kg Cluster Beans

2) 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder

3) Salt To taste

INSTRUCTIONS :  

1. Wash the cluster beans thoroughly. Chop it half

2. Heat 4-5 cups of water, add turmeric powder, salt and add the washed cluster beans.

3. Boil the cluster beans for 4 to 5 minutes.

4. After 5 minutes, drain water and keep under sunlight. 

5. Completely dried up, and dry it under sun for 2 to 3 days or till it gets crispy.

6. Sun Dried Cluster beans ready. Store it in airtight container. Whenever we want, we can deep-fry dried cluster.

7. Happily serve it for lunch meals.

 KOTHAVARANGAI PORIYAL RECIPE:

*Recipe Category: Lunch, 

* Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook time: 20 mins.

 Cluster beans poriyal recipe: 

INGREDIENTS 

1. Cluster Beans, Chopped - 1 or 1½ cup

2. Moongdal - 2-3 tbsp

3. Red chili powder - 1 tsp

4. Turmeric powder - ⅛ tsp

5. Coconut gratings - ¼ cup

6. Onion - 1

7. Salt - needed

8. Mustard - 1 tsp

9. Uraddal- 1 tsp

10. Curry leaves - A sprig

11. Oil - 1 tsp

Steps:

1. Remove the head and tail of cluster beans, wash them and chop them finely.

2. Boil the cluster beans in water, along with moongdhal, turmeric, salt, red chilli powder.

3. Cook till done, moongdal should be just done, not too soft...by that time cluster beans too should have got cooked.

4. Drain the water and keep aside. 

5. Heat pan and put oil, mustard seeds, uraddal, curry leaves, onion and fry till onion turns transparent.

6. Add the cooked cluster beans, fry for 2 minutes till moisture.

7. Add the grated coconut and stir well.

8. tastes great when mixed with ghee and hot rice.

9. Exchange to the serving dish. Serve as accompaniment for rice.