Kerala Style Vegetable Stew (Recipe In English)
Kerala Style Vegetable Stew is a traditional South Indian dish, known for its delicate blend of aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. This stew is a perfect balance of vegetables, infused with a subtle mix of spices and enriched with coconut milk, making it both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Often served with Kerala’s famous Appam or Dosa, it is a wholesome choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This recipe will guide you through the preparation of this flavorful, comforting dish that will transport you to the beautiful coastal state of Kerala.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato (peeled and cut lengthwise) | 1 |
| Carrot (peeled and cut lengthwise) | 1 |
| Green beans (cut lengthwise) | 15 beans |
| Green peas | 1/4 cup |
| Red onion | 1 |
| Garlic (grated) | 1 clove |
| Fresh ginger (peeled and grated) | 1/2 inch |
| Thin coconut milk | 1/2 cup |
| Thick coconut milk | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cinnamon stick | 1/2 inch |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Whole black pepper | 10-12 whole |
| Green cardamom | 1 |
| Curry leaves (sprig) | 1 sprig |
| Coconut oil | 1 tsp |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Kerala
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prep the Vegetables:
Begin by washing and cutting the vegetables: peel and slice the potato and carrot lengthwise, chop the green beans into pieces, and set the green peas aside. Grate the garlic and ginger, and finely chop the onion. -
-
Steam the Vegetables:
In a steamer or a large pot, steam the prepared vegetables until they are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, set them aside for later. -
Prepare the Tempering:
Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the whole spices – the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and curry leaves. Sauté them for about 10-15 seconds until they release their fragrant oils. -
Add Aromatics:
Add the grated ginger and garlic to the pan with the tempering and sauté for another 20 seconds until they soften and become aromatic. -
Combine Vegetables and Coconut Milk:
Now, add the steamed vegetables to the pan along with the thin coconut milk. Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Finish with Thick Coconut Milk:
After 5 minutes, pour in the thick coconut milk and give everything a good stir. Let the stew simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Season with salt to taste. The stew should have a creamy, coconut-based consistency with all the vegetables coated in the rich, aromatic broth. -
Final Touches:
Once the stew is done cooking, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Kerala Style Vegetable Stew hot, garnished with a few extra curry leaves if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with soft Appam, Dosa, or even plain rice.
Serving Suggestions:
Kerala Style Vegetable Stew is traditionally served with Appam (a soft, lacy pancake made with fermented rice batter) or Dosa (thin, crispy pancakes made with rice and lentil batter). These pair perfectly with the creamy, spiced stew, enhancing the overall meal experience.
This stew is also a perfect dish to enjoy for lunch, dinner, or even a light breakfast, offering a healthy combination of vegetables and the richness of coconut milk. It is light on the stomach but packed with flavor and essential nutrients.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Potassium | 550mg |
| Vitamin C | 35% of the daily value |
| Calcium | 6% of the daily value |
Tips:
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like drumsticks, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers based on availability and personal preference.
- Coconut Milk Variations: If you want a richer stew, you can adjust the proportion of thick coconut milk. For a lighter version, use more thin coconut milk and less of the thick variety.
- Spices: The spices in this dish are subtle. If you prefer a more intense flavor, increase the number of whole black peppercorns or add a pinch of ground turmeric.
This Kerala Style Vegetable Stew is a beautiful reflection of South Indian cuisine, where simplicity meets bold flavors, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. It’s a perfect option for anyone looking to explore vegetarian recipes from the vibrant state of Kerala!
