Kerala Special Vegetable Stew Recipe
A South Indian Delight of Fragrant Vegetables and Coconut Milk
The Kerala Special Vegetable Stew is a delightful vegetarian dish that hails from the lush and tropical region of Kerala in South India. With its vibrant array of fresh vegetables simmered in aromatic coconut milk, this stew is both comforting and nutritious. It’s the perfect accompaniment to traditional Kerala staples like Appam or Idiyappam (string hoppers). The use of whole spices and the creamy richness of coconut milk makes this stew incredibly flavorful and light. Ideal for a vegetarian lunch or dinner, it offers a glimpse into the culinary traditions of God’s Own Country.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato (Aloo), peeled and cut lengthwise | 1 medium |
| Carrot (Gajjar), peeled and cut lengthwise | 1 large |
| Green beans (French beans), cut lengthwise | 15 pieces |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup |
| Red onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic, grated | 2 cloves |
| Ginger, peeled and grated (optional) | 1/2 inch piece |
| Coconut milk (thin) | 1/2 cup |
| Coconut milk (thick) | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 1/2 inch |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 piece |
| Whole black peppercorns | 10 to 12 |
| Cardamom pods (Elaichi) | 1 pod |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coconut oil | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 30 Minutes
Total Time: 45 Minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Kerala, South Indian
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Peel and cut the potato and carrot into thin, long pieces. Cut the green beans lengthwise and set them aside. Also, peel and chop the onion into small pieces.
Step 2: Steam the Vegetables
Steam the prepared vegetables, including the onion, green peas, and carrot, until they are fork-tender. This should take about 10-12 minutes. You can use a steamer or simply cook the vegetables in a large pan with a bit of water until soft.
Step 3: Temper the Spices
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or a wok on medium heat. Add the coconut oil and let it melt. Once the oil is hot, add the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, whole black peppercorns, and cardamom pod. Allow these whole spices to release their flavors for about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Sauté Ginger and Garlic
Add the grated ginger and garlic to the pan with the spices. Sauté them for about 20 seconds, just enough to infuse the oil with their aromatic flavors. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Combine Steamed Vegetables and Thin Coconut Milk
Now, add the steamed vegetables into the pan. Stir well to mix with the tempered spices and garlic. Pour in the thin coconut milk and give everything a good stir. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over a low flame for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Add Thick Coconut Milk
After 5 to 7 minutes, add the thick coconut milk to the stew. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the creamy coconut milk blends evenly with the vegetables. Simmer the stew uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Add salt to taste and stir it into the stew. Once everything is well mixed and heated through, your Kerala Special Vegetable Stew is ready to be served!
Step 8: Serving Suggestions
This dish is best enjoyed with freshly made Appam (a soft, lacy rice pancake) or Idiyappam (steamed rice noodles). These sides perfectly complement the rich and creamy vegetable stew, creating a satisfying and authentic South Indian meal.
Tips for the Perfect Kerala Vegetable Stew
- Use Fresh Coconut: If you have access to fresh coconut, using freshly grated coconut and extracting milk from it will elevate the dish’s flavor, making it more authentic.
- Adjust Spice Levels: The stew is mildly spiced. If you prefer a bit more heat, you can add some green chilies or a pinch of black pepper.
- Steaming Vegetables: Steaming the vegetables instead of directly cooking them in the stew allows them to retain their flavor and texture while also keeping the coconut milk light and flavorful.
- Serving Idea: For a full Kerala feast, pair this vegetable stew with Puttu (steamed rice cake) or Kerala Parotta for an extra indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Why You’ll Love Kerala Special Vegetable Stew
This Kerala Special Vegetable Stew is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of the fresh produce that Kerala is known for. The blend of tender vegetables, subtle spices, and rich coconut milk creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both soothing and satisfying. Whether you’re new to South Indian cuisine or a seasoned fan, this stew is sure to delight your taste buds.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this stew is light yet filling, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a nutritious, vegetarian meal. With its fragrant coconut milk base and wholesome vegetables, the Kerala Special Vegetable Stew is a wonderful introduction to Kerala’s culinary traditions.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish with your favorite Kerala bread for a meal that captures the essence of South Indian cooking.
