Vegetable Stew – Kerala Style

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

Dice 4 medium potatoes and 1 carrot. Chop 1 small piece of ginger and 4-5 cloves of garlic.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon each of mustard seeds and cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the chopped ginger and garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Vegetables with Onions

Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pan. Add salt to taste. Then, add 2 chopped onions to the vegetables. Mix well, cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 4: Add Chilies and Continue Cooking

Uncover and stir the vegetables. Add 6 chopped green chilies (adjust quantity for desired spice level). Cover the pan again and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Chilies and Curry Leaves

Uncover and add 4-5 broken dry red chilies and a few sprigs of curry leaves. Mix well.

Step 6: Add Ground Spices

Add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 3 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper powder. Sauté the spices with the vegetables until the raw smell of the spices disappears, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Simmer with Water

Pour in 3/4 cup of hot water. Check and adjust salt if needed. Cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Step 8: Add Coconut Milk

Uncover and add 1 cup of coconut milk (prepared by mixing 3.5 tablespoons of coconut milk powder in warm water). Stir gently. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 2 minutes; do not boil vigorously after adding coconut milk.

Step 9: Final Seasoning and Finish

Uncover and add 1/2 teaspoon garam masala and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder for enhanced flavor. Add 1 teaspoon of ghee to the stew. Mix well. Turn off the gas stove, cover the pan, and let the vegetable stew rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

• Covering vegetables while sautéing helps them cook faster and retain moisture.

• Adjust the quantity of green chilies and black pepper powder according to your preferred spice level.

• Adding ghee at the end enhances the stew's aroma and flavor.

• Allow the stew to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld beautifully.

• You can add other vegetables like green beans and green peas along with potatoes and carrots.

• For an extra rich garnish, fry cashews and raisins in ghee and sprinkle over the stew before serving.