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Coconut Vegetable Stew

A Kerala-style delight that uses both thin and thick coconut milk. The gentle flavors are perfect for a comforting evening meal 
15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1- inch piece fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1 –2 green chilies slit lengthwise
  • 1 medium carrot sliced
  • 1 medium potato diced
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • ½ cup green beans chopped
  • ½ cup green peas
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 3 –4 green cardamom pods
  • 8 –10 curry leaves
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1½ cups coconut milk
  • 1 cup water or vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander chopped

Method
 

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and curry leaves, allowing them to become fragrant. Add the sliced onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies and sauté gently until the onion becomes soft without browning too much. Add the carrot, potato, cauliflower, green beans, peas, and turmeric, then stir for 2–3 minutes so the vegetables become coated with the aromatic spices. Pour in the coconut milk and water or vegetable stock, season with salt and black pepper, and bring the stew to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still retain some texture. Remove the lid and simmer for another few minutes if you prefer a slightly thicker sauce. Finish with fresh lime juice and coriander, then serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or warm bread.

Video

Notes

Keep the coconut milk at a gentle simmer rather than a hard boil. High heat can cause coconut milk to separate and produce a greasy texture. Slow, gentle cooking gives the stew a smooth, creamy sauce while allowing the vegetables to absorb the fragrant spices.