valor papdi

What is valor papdi? Glossary | Benefits, Uses, Recipes Viewed 105446 times
Also Known as
Flat beans

What is Valor Papdi, Flat Beans?


The valor papdi refers to green flat beans which are extensively used in Gujarati cuisine. Also known as helda beans, flat beans are similar to the well-known runner bean. They are flat green beans with a smooth skin. The valor is very typical to gujarat and one might now find it everywhere. The complete plant is edible . The young leaves can be eaten in salad, the older leaves can be cooked. The flowers are edible raw. The young beans should be harvested and used to prepare Indian dishes. Flat beans are served cooked as an accompaniment to a variety of main courses including fish, chicken, pork and lamb. To serve, toss in butter and freshly ground black pepper or flavoured olive oil.


How to select

The valor papdi must be picked when young and tender as it becomes woody, fibrous and hairy as it matures and becomes inedible.

Culinary uses of valor papdi, flat beans in Indian cooking

Valor papdi sabzis

1. valor papdi nu shaak recipe | valor nu shaak | Gujarati papdi nu shaak | winter special flat beans sabzi |

valor papdi nu shaak is a homely and tasty winter sabzi, which tastes great with rotis. Learn how to make valor nu shaak. 

Fresh and juicy valor papdi is cooked with a traditional tempering of mustard seeds, and flavoured with a mix of taste-givers like garlic paste and green chilli paste to make Gujarati papdi nu shaak.

2. valor muthia nu shaak | valor papdi muthia sabzi| Gujarati valor papdi nu shaak | flat beans muthia sabzi | with amazing 20 images.

valor muthia nu shaak features a lovely combination of valor papdi and muthia. But, however uncommon the combination might sound to you, it is very common in Gujarati tradition, and valor papdi muthia sabzi is a must-serve item for weddings held in Gujarat. In the customary way, people add the muthias directly without steaming, but that takes much longer to cook. So, I always suggest steaming and adding the muthias as in this quick and easy version. You can even use left over muthia’s which will make the process quicker. 

Preparation for valor muthia nu shaak takes a while but the outcome is amazing and super tasty. We have made a special Gujarati coconut coriander masala and have added to the sabzi, which makes the valor papdi muthia sabzi super delicious. An irresistible preparation of flat green beans (valor papdi) and fenugreek dumplings, this is the next best choice when fresh vaal or papdi is not in season.

Maharashtrian sabzis using valor papadi

1. This Maharashtrian Papdi and Moong Dal Vadi Sabzi is a home-style recipe, but has an exotic feel about it because of the exciting mix of spices in it. 

It is a traditional Vidharbi recipe that is best enjoyed with chapatis. An interesting combination of valor papdi and moong dal vadi is cooked with a tongue-tickling masala that combines a wide assortment of aromatic and flavour-packed seeds and spices. 



" Add the cut papdi to boiling, salted water and cook until just tender and drain. Usually one or two minutes is sufficient. When overcooked, papdi turn to flabby, flavorless things. So keep an eye on them and do not overcook
" Valor padi muthia nu shak is a common recipe.Wash and string the valor papdi. Heat the oil in a pan, add hing and put the valor papdi in it add 2 to 3 cups of water. Add haldi, dhana jeera powder, chilli powder, sugar and salt.Cover and simmer till the valor papdi is almost cooked. Gently add in one muthia at a time. Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes till the muthias are cooked. Serve hot with parathas/rotis.
" They papdi are often cooked like broad beans are cooked. Cluster beans are stringed and chopped into small pieces. Chopped valor papdi are boiled in water till soft and added to tempered oil along with some ground spices. valor papdi curry is finally finished with a good amount of scraped coconut in Andhra cuisine.
" Tender valor papdi dish up as a popular vegetable all over India. They can be curried, fried, steamed or boiled.

How to store

You may store fresh valor papdi unwashed in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Wrap them in paper towel or place in a paper bag. Avoid storing them in plastic as trapped moisture will hasten spoilage. Check your papadi often and discard any that develop soft or dark spots.

Health benefits of Valor Papdi, Flat beans


Valor papdi is a low calorie vegetable and low carb vegetable which is perfect for a weight loss diet. 100 g of valor papdi lends only 48 calories and 7.2 g of carbs and virtually no fat. The fibre in it (8.9 g / 100 g) helps not only in weight loss but is also beneficial to control cholesterol levels. This is the same reason it suits a diabetic menu too. This key nutrient is a good laxative and can help to keep the digestive tract healthy. It is thus good to keep constipation at bay. Surprisingly they are a good source of protein too. It also small amounts of calcium, folic acid, iron, potassium and manganese which will help in over well-being.  

Chopped valor papdi
Even the young, fresh valor papdi need to be topped and tailed and may also need stringing. Just pluck the end of a papdi with your hand, and then pull downward; if a thick thread comes away, the bean need stringing, so do the same on the other side. The papdi can then be sliced either using a sharp knife or with your hands. Cut or pluck them to pieces of one-inch length.