Avaraikai (Broad Beans)

Broad beans, also known as Avaraikai in Tamil, are a nutrient-dense food rich in protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and iron. Avaraikai, also called flat beans, are tender with small seeds and have a pale green color. They can be cooked whole like French beans.

Mochaikai resembles Avaraikai but is dark green in color and has a pod-like green pea appearance. To use Mochaikai in cooking, the pods must be peeled, and the seeds, known as “Pachai Mochai Kottai,” must be removed. Mochaikai is typically available from December to January.

Tender Avaraikai is considered a healthy addition to “Pathiya Sappaadu.” A variety of dishes can be made with Avaraikai, including sambar, kootu, poriyal, poricha kuzhambu, and puzhi kuzhambu.

Recipes made with Avaraikkai

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  Broad Beans Poriyal (Avarakkai Poriyal)

  Difficulty: Easy

  This broad beans poriyal also known as Avarakkai poriyal is made with broad beans, green gram dhal, sambar powder and coconut gratings. You can also add some curry powder to give a different flavor.

  Cuisine: Indian
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  Avarakkai Thuvattal

  Difficulty: Easy

  Thuvattal dishes are usually served as a side dish for rice or as a snack. This Thuvattal is made with Avaraikkai (Broad beans).

  Cuisine: Indian, Tamil
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  Avaraikai Puzhi Kootu

  Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  A kootu made with avaraikai and tamarind

  Cuisine: Indian, tamil
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  Mixed Veg Poricha Kuzhambu

  Difficulty: Easy

  A poricha kuzhambu made with mixed vegetables like Chow chow, green brinjal, broad beans and capsicum.

  Cuisine: Indian, Tamil