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Curry String Beans with Potato (Aloo)

A comforting Caribbean curry dish made with fresh string beans and tender potatoes, perfect for vegan, vegetarian, or Ital diets. Traditionally served with hot sada roti or paratha roti, but just as satisfying with steamed rice.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course: Caribbean Classics, Comfort Food, Easy Caribbean Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian
Cuisine: General Caribbean

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb string beans trimmed, cut into 1–1 1/2 inch pieces
  • 3 large potatoes cubed, boiled in salted water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 8 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 teaspoon geera seeds cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Caribbean green seasoning
  • 1/2 Scotch Bonnet pepper optional
  • 3/4 tablespoon ground masala
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 medium tomato diced - optional
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk optional

Method
 

  1. Wash, trim the ends of the string beans, and cut into 1–1 1/2 inch pieces. Peel and cube the potatoes as well.
  2. In a medium pot, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 20–25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. If you wanted to save on time, you can cook the potatoes while the curry gets going, then add them when it's time to do so.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, deep pot over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic, geera seeds (cumin), and black pepper.
  4. After 2 minutes, stir in the Caribbean green seasoning and Scotch Bonnet pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add the ground masala and curry powder, stirring well. Cook for 3 minutes to bloom the spices.
  6. Add the string beans and salt, mixing well to coat in the curry base.
  7. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. In the video below, I explained how to use coconut milk instead of water or use both, for a lovely sweeter curry finish to the dish.
  8. Stir in the pre-boiled potatoes and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust salt. Remember, you can cook this dry or add a bit more water or coconut milk for a slight gravy, especially if you'd like to serve it with your favourite rice side.  The last 5 minutes of cooking is when I'd recommend adding the diced tomato if you want.

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