These simple Trinidadian Green Beans are so easy to make and so full of flavor. They are perfectly spiced with a homemade masala blend and are ready in minutes!
Looking for more green bean recipes? Be sure to try out these garlicky green beans, always a hit with family and friends, or this classic Thanksgiving vegan green bean casserole.
Versions of stir-fried and braised green beans can be found across the Caribbean, like these simple Trinidadian green beans spiced with an aromatic amchar masala blend.
This is an incredibly simple recipe, and it turns this plain-Jane veggie into a gorgeous, mouthwatering side dish you’d be proud to serve family and/or friends.
In Trinidad, this dish would be made with long beans (bodi), but I use regular green beans, which are more easily sourced here.
Because the spices in this recipe are Indian-inspired, I often serve these Trinidadian green beans with a simple, homemade dal. You can also serve them with a flatbread, like roti or this Trinidadian inspired roti stuffed with chickpeas.
Table of Contents
Why you will love this recipe
- Flavorful green beans. Green beans are not always easy to love, but this recipe takes these veggies to the next level. The beans are juicy and tender with the slightest bite, and each mouthful explodes with the flavor of the amchar spices.
- Easy recipe. The recipe takes just minutes to put together and a few more minutes to cook to perfection.
- Make-ahead friendly. You can make and store these in the refrigerator for up to three days ahead. If you plan to freeze them, check out the storage instructions below.
- Soy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and vegan recipe.
Ingredients
For exact quantities of each ingredient please scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Spices: Cumin seeds, jalapeno pepper or another moderately spicy green pepper, garlic, amchar masala, curry powder and turmeric (optional, because the curry powder already has some turmeric added).
- Red onion. This adds a wonderful, aromatic base for the green bean curry, along with the garlic.
Expert tips
- Squeezing in a bit of lemon juice when you add the green beans helps preserve some of that lovely green as the beans cook, and also adds a lovely, fresh flavor.
- You can cook the green beans to the tenderness you desire, but leaving them just slightly al dente makes them taste juicier and even more delicious.
Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the Trinidadian green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freeze: Freeze the beans for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: Thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
More yummy Caribbean-inspired recipes
Trinidadian Green Beans Recipe (Bodi)
These simple Trinidadian Green Beans, also called bodi, are so easy to make and so full of flavor. They are perfectly spiced with a homemade masala blend and are ready in minutes!
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 61kcal
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Instructions
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Heat oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, garlic and green chili peppers and saute for 30 seconds. Stir in the onions and add a hefty pinch of salt. Saute the onions until they start to brown.
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Add the amchar masala and the turmeric, if using. Mix well for a few seconds until the spices coat the onions.
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Stir in the green beans and lemon juice, then pour in ½ cup of vegetable broth or water. Mix well, cover and cook 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans have absorbed most of the water and are tender.
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Stir in the curry powder and mix well. Add salt as needed. Serve the green beans hot, warm or at room temperature.
Recipe notes
- Refrigerate: Store the Trinidadian green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freeze: Freeze the beans for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: Thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 85mg | Potassium: 213mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 595IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
