Kerala Carrot and Beans Thoran

Ingredients

• French beans - 1 1/2 cup
• Carrot - 1 1/2 cup
• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Urad dal - 1 tbsp
• Red chili powder - 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Chana dal (split yellow lentils) - 1 tsp
• Curry leaves - 7 whole
• Oil - 1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Coconut - 1/4 cup

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the vegetables: trim and cut the French beans and peel and cut the carrot into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly.
2. 2Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium heat, then add the mustard seeds and let them splutter; as they pop, add the urad dal, chana dal and curry leaves and fry until the dals turn light golden and aromatic.
3. 3Add the carrot, beans, turmeric powder, red chili powder and salt to the pan, toss everything together to coat the vegetables in the spices, then add a splash of water and stir well to combine.
4. 4Cook the mixture for 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite; do not cover while cooking so the beans keep their bright green color.
5. 5Stir in the coconut and continue to stir for 2-3 minutes so the coconut warms through and the flavors meld, then remove the pan from the heat.
6. 6Serve the thoran warm with steamed rice and your favorite curry. Optional: finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving.