Karwar Style Valval Recipe (Mixed Vegetables in Coconut Milk)
Introduction
Karwar Style Valval, also known as mixed vegetables in coconut milk, is a comforting dish from the coastal region of Karnataka. This vegetarian recipe is a creamy and aromatic vegetable curry, cooked without onion and garlic, making it a perfect choice for a lighter, yet flavorful meal. The curry is made with an assortment of vegetables such as green beans, carrots, peas, potatoes, and pointed gourd, all simmered together in a rich coconut milk base. The use of coconut oil and traditional spices gives this dish its authentic coastal flavor. Karwar Style Valval is a simple dish to prepare, yet incredibly satisfying with its mild spice and delectable taste.
This easy-to-make curry is perfect for lunch and pairs beautifully with whole wheat lachha paratha and a side of beetroot pachadi for a wholesome meal. Whether you’re new to coastal Karnataka cuisine or a seasoned foodie, this recipe will surely add a delightful touch to your everyday meals.
Cuisine: Coastal Karnataka
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green beans (French beans), chopped | 1 cup |
| Carrot (Gajjar), chopped into small cubes | 1 |
| Green peas (Matar), chopped into small cubes | 1/2 cup |
| Potato (Aloo), chopped into small cubes | 1 |
| Mangalorean cucumber, chopped into small cubes | 1/2 cucumber |
| Pointed gourd (Parval), slit | 1 cup |
| Green chillies, slit | 5 |
| Coconut milk | 3 cups |
| For tempering: | |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry red chillies | 2 |
| Coconut oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Curry leaves | 6 |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
| Sugars | 5 g |
Instructions
-
Boil the Vegetables
Begin by washing and chopping all the vegetables into small cubes or slices. In a large pot, add the green beans, carrot, green peas, potato, Mangalorean cucumber, pointed gourd, and green chilies. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. Let the vegetables cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. The vegetables should still hold their shape. Avoid pressure cooking to maintain their texture. -
Add Coconut Milk
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine. Season with salt to taste, and cook for another 5-6 minutes on low to medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Prepare the Tempering
While the vegetables are simmering, prepare the tempering. In a small, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add the dry red chilies and curry leaves. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma. -
Combine and Serve
Pour the tempering into the simmering vegetable and coconut milk mixture. Stir well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed. Remove from heat and let the curry sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. -
Serving Suggestions
Serve Karwar Style Valval hot, accompanied by whole wheat lachha paratha or steamed rice. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of beetroot pachadi (a type of yogurt-based salad), making for a wholesome and nutritious meal.
Tips & Variations
- Vegan Option: This dish is already vegan-friendly as it doesnโt use any dairy products.
- Coconut Milk Substitution: If you donโt have fresh coconut milk, you can use canned coconut milk or even a coconut milk powder mixed with water. For a lighter version, you can also dilute the coconut milk with some water to reduce its richness.
- Spice Level: The green chilies provide a mild spice. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder to the curry.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to include other seasonal vegetables such as sweet potatoes, drumsticks (moringa), or zucchini in the dish. Karwar Style Valval is quite versatile, and you can adapt it based on what vegetables are available.
Conclusion
Karwar Style Valval is a flavorful and comforting curry that highlights the natural sweetness of vegetables, balanced with the richness of coconut milk and the warmth of mild spices. Itโs a dish that reflects the simplicity and authenticity of coastal Karnataka cuisine, making it a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the diverse flavors of India. Whether you’re preparing it for a weekday lunch or a special family meal, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
