Description

Seem (Bichiwala), also known as Winged Bean or Four-angled Bean, is a highly nutritious legume that grows on a vine and is popular in various South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. The plant gets its name due to its unique, four-angled shape, which gives the beans a “winged” appearance. Both the beans and the leaves of this plant are edible and offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Here’s a breakdown of two types or descriptions of Seem (Bichiwala):

1. Fresh Seem (Bichiwala) (Raw – KG)

• Description: Fresh Seem (Bichiwala) pods are long, slender, and have four distinct angles, giving them a winged appearance. The pods are typically green, and the beans inside are small and soft. The beans have a tender texture when fresh and a mild flavor that is slightly sweet with a slight earthiness. The pods are usually not eaten raw, but the beans inside are sometimes consumed fresh or added to salads for a crunchy bite.

• Uses: Fresh Seem (Bichiwala) is often used in vegetable stir-fries, curries, and soups. In Indian cuisine, it is commonly added to dal or sambar (lentil dishes), cooked with spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. The beans can also be blanched and used in salads or stuffed with spices for a flavorful bite. Some cultures also boil or steam the pods to serve as a side dish, often seasoned with salt and lemon.