Thengai Paal Kurma Recipe – Mixed Vegetables in Coconut Gravy
Thengai Paal Kurma, a popular dish in Chettinad cuisine, is a delightful vegetarian curry made with mixed vegetables simmered in a rich coconut milk gravy. The combination of aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and creamy coconut milk creates a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed with traditional accompaniments like Appam, Idiyappam, or Kerala-style Whole Wheat Parotta. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty dinner and caters to both flavor enthusiasts and those looking for a wholesome, vegetarian meal. Let’s take you through the steps to prepare this delicious Thengai Paal Kurma.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato (Aloo) | 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/2 cup |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 1 cup florets |
| Onion | 1 large, finely chopped |
| Green Chilies | 3 to 4, slit vertically (adjust spice level) |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods | 3 pods |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 whole cloves |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Ghee or Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Thick Coconut Milk | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chettinad
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by pressure cooking the potatoes for about two whistles. Once cooked, peel and cube the potatoes into small pieces. Steam the cauliflower florets and green peas separately, and set them aside for later use.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the ghee or oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their delightful aromas. -
Cook the Onions and Green Chilies:
Add the chopped onions and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn transparent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. -
Add the Vegetables:
Once the onions are cooked, add the pressure-cooked potatoes, steamed cauliflower florets, and green peas to the pan. Stir everything well to combine the flavors. -
Simmer the Curry:
Add salt to taste and pour in one cup of water. Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the thick coconut milk and reduce the heat to medium. Let the curry simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Adjust the Gravy:
If the gravy is too thin, you can mash a few pieces of potato in the curry to thicken it to your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more water or coconut milk to adjust the consistency. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the Thengai Paal Kurma reaches the perfect consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the curry to a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander if desired. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Thengai Paal Kurma hot with traditional sides like Appam, Idiyappam, or Kerala-style Whole Wheat Parotta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Thengai Paal Kurma:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies to control the spice level of the dish. You can remove the seeds from the chilies to reduce their heat.
- Coconut Milk: The key to a rich and creamy gravy is using good-quality, thick coconut milk. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference for a thicker or lighter gravy.
- Vegetables: While the recipe includes potatoes, peas, and cauliflower, you can also add other vegetables such as carrots, beans, or even brussels sprouts for more variety.
Why You’ll Love Thengai Paal Kurma:
The Thengai Paal Kurma offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy coconut milk combined with the warm spices creates a rich gravy, while the potatoes, peas, and cauliflower provide satisfying bites of vegetables. This dish is comforting, nutritious, and ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. The beautiful medley of spices gives it a uniquely aromatic and flavorful appeal, making it a favorite in many South Indian households.
Enjoy this delightful Chettinad-style curry and bring a taste of authentic South India to your dinner table!
