Beans Mezhukkupuratti
Beans Mezhukkupuratti – A Simple Kerala Classic
When we think of authentic Kerala food, our minds often go straight to the colorful feast of Onam Sadya served on a banana leaf. Among the wide variety of curries, pickles, payasam, and stir-fries, there is one humble dish that never fails to shine – Beans Mezhukkupuratti. This traditional Kerala recipe is a stir-fried vegetable preparation that is both simple and wholesome, yet deeply satisfying.
The word Mezhukkupuratti comes from Malayalam, where “mezhukku” means oil and “puratti” means coated or smeared. True to its name, this dish is made by gently stir-frying vegetables in coconut oil with just a few spices until they are soft, lightly caramelized, and flavorful. Unlike elaborate curries with coconut paste or gravy, Mezhukkupuratti celebrates minimalism – allowing the natural taste of the vegetable to shine.
In a traditional Onam Sadya, variety is everything. Each dish has a purpose – from the tang of puli curry to the sweetness of pradhaman. Beans Mezhukkupuratti adds freshness and balance to the heavy spread. Its crunchy texture and mildly spiced flavor make it the perfect side dish to enjoy with steaming rice, sambar, rasam, and avial.
For many families in Kerala, this dish is more than just a Sadya special. It is part of everyday cooking, a quick recipe that goes well with rice and even chapati. Since beans are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, Beans Mezhukkupuratti is also a healthy choice that suits modern lifestyles while staying rooted in tradition.
The recipe is simple yet rooted in the essence of Kerala cuisine. Fresh green beans are washed, trimmed, and cut into small pieces. They are then cooked slowly with coconut oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, shallots, garlic, and green chilies. Some households also add a touch of turmeric or crushed red chilies for extra flavor. The slow stir-fry technique allows the beans to absorb the aroma of coconut oil and spices, creating a dish that is light yet irresistibly tasty.
What makes Beans Mezhukkupuratti special is its connection to Kerala’s food philosophy – fresh, seasonal, and uncomplicated. It reflects the traditional cooking style where vegetables are not overpowered by masalas but enhanced with just the right balance of spices. Served warm on a banana leaf during Onam, it is a dish that carries both nostalgia and comfort in every bite.
So, whether you are preparing a full Onam Sadya or just looking for a quick and healthy stir-fry for your everyday meal, Beans Mezhukkupuratti is a dish worth trying. Simple to make, easy to digest, and rich in flavor – it is Kerala cuisine at its best.Check out this recipe below.
Ingredients
Beans-1/2 kg
Small onion/-15 nos crushed
Garlic-8-10 nos crushed
Green chillies-1 no slit lengthwise
Red chillies flakes -1 tbsp
Pepper powder-1/4-1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
Curry leaves-few
Salt to taste
Grated coconut-1/4 cup
Coconut oil -1-2 tsps
Recipe video
Method
👉Heat coconut oil in a kadai add mustard seeds, curry leaves, split green chilies, crushed garlic, and small onions and sauté well.
👉Add red chilies flakes and sauté for few seconds.
👉Add chopped beans, turmeric powder, mix well and saute it for a minute.
👉Sprinkle a little water mix well.
👉Cook covered for 5 to 7 minutes until the beans are 3/4 done .
👉Now add required salt and pepper powder mix well.
👉Cook covered for another 2 to 4 minutes.
👉Garnish with grated coconut mix well, switch off the gas and serve hot.
Total Preparation Time-20 minutes
Serves-4