Kale and Navy Beans Curry

Have you ever wondered how easy some of the recipes become a keeper - becomes a comforting meal? Well, this kale and beans curry is one among those. It is very delicious and nutritious. This is easy to prepare for dinner or lunch, it is vegan, and this can feed a crowd! Did I tell you that this is a budget friendly recipe?

This amazing curry can be served as a soup/stew too. A slice of crusty bread with this curry will make you say yum! The proteins from the beans, and the nutrition from the green leafy kale, make it a complete side to serve along with rice or bread. It is made with simple ingredients which make it perfect for any meal. Try and let me know your comments. I know you'll agree with me.

This delicious curry will be a handy one whether you feed your family or a crowd. With the skyrocketing prices, and shortage of some food types, it is a great idea to start growing some veggies to supplement the needs. Nowadays, for the same money, only one-third of the produce/groceries fit in. It is a great idea to make recipes that fit your budget and at the same time provide more satisfying and nutritious meals to your family. This curry is one such great side dish that you can feed a number of people along with rice or flatbreads.

A bunch of kale or spinach costs around $1.25 to $1.99. A pound of dry beans cost around $1.20, out of which you'll use a cup to make this curry. Canned beans, if used, might add a little to the cost. The rest of the ingredients would cost around $4 max. The cost may slightly vary depending on the region. This curry with the following measurements, as a single side, can easily feed 6-8 people. At about $8, this curry provides a nourishing meal. Now, I call this a winner! If you are looking for some delicious budget recipes, here are a few:

Easy Chocolate Crescent Rolls

Veggie Lentil Soup

Bottlegourd/Opo & Cilantro Chutney

 This curry tastes great with the rice and curry. Raita or yogurt  (regular/vegan) when served with this makes it a complete meal. I love raita with anything:-) One other thing about this curry is that it can be easily doubled or tripled. This makes it a winner to make it for get togethers, a delicious curry to enjoy with friends and family, that saves money too.

Here are some tips that help you modify/make this delicious curry.

• Cinnamon (1 in piece) and a star anise can be added to the seasoning and it adds a lot of flavor to the curry.

• Canned beans can also be used.

• The beans can be cooked on the stove top too. It may take a longer time.

• Any other bean can also be substituted.

• Curry powder can be used in the place of sambhar powder.

• Adjust the spiciness according to your chilli or cayenne powder.

• Any greens can be used.

• Frozen greens can also be used.

Ingredients

Navy Beans - 1 cup
Onion - 1 cup, chopped
Kale - 3 cups, chopped
Sambhar / curry powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala - 1 tsp
Turmeric- 1/4 tsp
Salt 1 1/2 tsp
Chilli powder- 1/4 tsp
Tomato - 2 or 3 tomatoes depending on size (puree to get 1 cup)
Coconut milk - 1/2 cup
Water - 3 to 4 cups

To Season

Oil - 2 tbsp
Cumin - 1 tsp
Serrano chilli - 1, slit and cut in half
Ginger - 1 tsp, minced
Garlic - 1 tsp, minced

Method

Soak the navy beans overnight. Drain, wash and cook for 2 whistles in a pressure cooker with three cups water.

Heat oil in a pan, add the seasonings. Then add onions and sauté till they are translucent. Add kale and sauté for 3 min more.

Add 1 cup  tomato puree and cook for a couple of minutes. Add all the spice powders and salt. Mix and cook for 3-5 min.

Add the beans with water. Cook for 5 min.

Add 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup water. Adjust consistency and check for salt.

 Simmer for 3 min.

Serve hot with rice or flatbreads.

Published May 2020

Modified on May 2022 for user benefit and reader enhancement.