South Indian Style Vegetable Kurma Recipe
A delectable addition to your culinary repertoire, South Indian Style Vegetable Kurma is a vibrant, aromatic dish that embodies the rich flavors and traditions of South Indian cuisine. With its medley of vegetables and fragrant spices, this vegetarian delight serves beautifully as a main course for lunch, inviting you to savor every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, etc.) | 2 cups |
| Onions | 2, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, pureed |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit lengthwise |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 2-inch piece |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 4 tablespoons |
| Poppy Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Cashew Nuts | 15 to 20, soaked in water |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | for garnish |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Preparation Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
Instructions
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Preparation of Vegetables: Begin by thoroughly cleaning, washing, and chopping all the mixed vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. These can include a colorful array of carrots, beans, peas, or any of your favorite vegetables. Cook them either in a pressure cooker for about 2 whistles or in an open pot with sufficient water until just tender, ensuring they remain slightly crunchy or al dente. Set the cooked vegetables aside to allow the flavors to meld.
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Onion and Tomato Preparation: Finely chop the onions and puree the tomatoes without adding any water. This will create a smooth base for the kurma.
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Soaking Cashews: Soak the cashew nuts in enough water for approximately 30 minutes to soften them, making them easier to blend into a creamy paste.
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Grinding Pastes: After soaking, drain the cashews and blend them with the poppy seeds using a little water until you achieve a fine, smooth paste. Separately, grind the grated coconut into a thick paste and set both pastes aside.
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Sautéing Aromatics: In a deep-bottomed pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves to the hot oil, allowing them to release their fragrant oils. Next, introduce the finely chopped onions and slit green chilies to the pan, sautéing them until the onions turn translucent and fragrant.
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Adding Ginger Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger garlic paste, cooking until the raw aroma dissipates, which should take about a minute. This step is crucial for developing depth in flavor.
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Incorporating Tomato Puree: Add the pureed tomatoes to the pan and cook until the oil separates from the mixture, indicating that the tomatoes have been well-cooked and integrated.
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Adding Spices: Sprinkle in the red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and black pepper powder, mixing well to combine the spices with the tomato-onion base.
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Combining with Vegetables: Gently fold in the cooked mixed vegetables, including any remaining cooking water, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Season with salt to taste and allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize.
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Finishing Touches: Finally, add the prepared coconut paste and the cashew-poppy seed paste, stirring to incorporate them smoothly into the dish. Be careful not to allow the kurma to boil vigorously after this point, as it could cause the coconut to split.
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Serving: Remove the kurma from heat immediately once mixed well. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving. This South Indian Style Vegetable Kurma pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roti, or even appams, inviting you to indulge in its sumptuous flavors.
Conclusion
With its rich textures and enticing aroma, South Indian Style Vegetable Kurma is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the essence of home-cooked South Indian food to your table. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch as it delights your guests and loved ones, making every meal a celebration of flavors. Enjoy your culinary journey with this vibrant recipe that showcases the art of vegetarian cooking!
