Kerala Style Vegetable Stew Recipe
Kerala, often referred to as “God’s own country” due to its lush greenery, is not only famous for its natural beauty but also its unique and rich cuisine. One of the most popular dishes that represent the flavors of Kerala is the Kerala Style Vegetable Stew. This delicious stew features a variety of vegetables such as carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes, all cooked in creamy coconut milk, which adds a distinct richness to the dish. This stew is aromatic, mildly spiced, and perfectly balances the fresh, wholesome flavors of vegetables with the sweetness of coconut milk. It is traditionally served with Appam or Dosa for a satisfying meal.
Cuisine: Kerala Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 3-4 people
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, peeled and cut into long pieces |
| Carrot (Gajar) | 1, peeled and cut into long pieces |
| Green Beans (Hara Beans) | 15, cut into long pieces |
| Green Peas (Hare Matar) | 1/4 cup |
| Onion (Pyaz) | 1, finely sliced |
| Garlic (Lahsun) | 1 clove, crushed |
| Ginger (Adrak) | 1/2 inch, peeled and grated |
| Thin Coconut Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Thick Coconut Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Bay Leaf (Tez Patta) | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Whole Black Pepper | 10-12 whole peppercorns |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) | 1 |
| Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta) | 1 sprig |
| Coconut Oil | 1 tsp |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel and cut the potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables into long pieces. Steam the vegetables until they are tender. Set them aside. -
-
Tempering
Heat coconut oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dry spices: cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, black pepper, and cardamom. Allow them to release their fragrance for about 10 seconds. -
Add Ginger and Garlic
Add the grated ginger and crushed garlic to the pan. Sauté the mixture for another 20 seconds, allowing the garlic to soften and become aromatic. -
Cook the Vegetables
Add the steamed vegetables to the pan. Stir them well to coat in the oil and spices. Pour in the thin coconut milk and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavors. -
Add Thick Coconut Milk
After 5 minutes, add the thick coconut milk to the pan. Stir the stew gently to combine the ingredients. Allow the stew to cook for an additional minute. -
Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and remove the stew from the stove. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt if needed. Serve the Kerala Style Vegetable Stew hot with Appam, Dosa, or steamed rice for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like beans, sweet potatoes, or zucchini depending on what’s in season or your personal preferences.
- Spice Level: This dish is traditionally mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding green chilies or red chili powder if you like a spicier flavor.
- Coconut Milk: The combination of both thin and thick coconut milk creates the perfect balance of creaminess and richness. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use only thin coconut milk.
- Serving Suggestions: This stew is typically served with Appam (a soft, fluffy rice pancake) or Dosa (crispy rice crepes), but it also pairs wonderfully with plain steamed rice or even roti.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
This Kerala Style Vegetable Stew is a hearty, flavorful, and comforting dish that is sure to delight anyone who loves the mild and aromatic flavors of coconut milk and fresh vegetables. Whether you enjoy it as part of a traditional Kerala meal or as a stand-alone dish, this stew will bring a taste of southern India to your kitchen.
