Kerala Style Vegetable Stew Recipe with Coconut Milk
Description:
The Kerala Style Vegetable Stew is a classic dish that brings the rich, comforting flavors of Kerala cuisine to your table. This stew is a quick, simple, and incredibly healthy side dish made with a medley of fresh vegetables like potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas. It’s delicately spiced with green chilies, infused with the aromatic essence of curry leaves, and enriched with creamy coconut milk. Lightly flavored with cloves, black pepper, and a hint of sweetness from sugar, this stew is a perfect accompaniment to the popular Kerala Appams and is also traditionally served during the Onam Sadya meal.
This stew is a delightful, mild dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Let’s dive into how to make this nutritious Kerala-style delicacy in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), peeled and cubed | 2 Potatoes |
| Carrot (Gajjar), diced | 1 Carrot |
| Green beans (French Beans), sliced | 10 Green Beans |
| Green Chillies, slit lengthwise | 2 to 3 Green Chillies |
| Coconut milk | 250 ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 Cloves |
| Whole Black Peppercorns, coarsely pounded | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coconut oil | 2 teaspoons |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Begin by washing and peeling the vegetables. Cube the potatoes and dice the carrots. Cut the green beans into small, lengthwise pieces.
- Steam the vegetables: The best way to cook the vegetables for this stew is to steam them until tender. You can either steam them in a pressure cooker or use a traditional steamer. Ensure the potatoes, carrots, and beans are cooked but still retain their shape. Set them aside once cooked.
-
Cook the Stew Base:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the steamed vegetables, along with the coconut milk.
- Add the curry leaves, cloves, coarsely pounded black pepper, and slit green chilies to the pan. Stir gently to mix everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a brisk boil over medium heat, allowing the ingredients to blend and the flavors to infuse the coconut milk.
-
Season and Adjust the Consistency:
- Add salt to taste. Begin with a pinch and adjust as necessary.
- Stir in the sugar to balance the flavors with a subtle sweetness that complements the creamy coconut milk.
- If you prefer a thinner stew, add a little water to adjust the consistency. Be sure to keep the stew thick enough to maintain a rich texture without becoming watery.
-
Finish the Stew:
- Once the stew has reached the desired consistency, drizzle in the coconut oil. Stir well to incorporate the oil, which will add a fragrant richness to the stew.
- Allow the stew to simmer for a few more minutes, letting all the flavors meld together.
-
Resting Time:
- Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let the stew sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors from the curry leaves, green chilies, and coconut milk to deepen and intensify.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the Kerala Style Vegetable Stew to a serving bowl.
- Serve hot, ideally with Kerala Appams for a traditional and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Common additions include peas, cauliflower, or even pumpkin for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Heat Level: Adjust the number of green chilies depending on your preference for spice. For a milder stew, you can omit the chilies or remove their seeds before adding them.
- Coconut Milk: Use fresh coconut milk for the best flavor. If using canned coconut milk, opt for full-fat for a richer taste.
- Make-Ahead: This stew can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The flavors intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Enjoy this heartwarming, wholesome Kerala-style vegetable stew, bringing a taste of the South Indian coast right to your kitchen! Whether it’s a part of a festive Onam meal or a comforting side dish for a regular dinner, it’s sure to be a hit among family and friends.
