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🌍 Kerala (South Indian)

Kerala Coconut Vegetable Stew

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Kerala coconut vegetable stew with mixed vegetables in a pale creamy coconut milk curry in a white bowl, topped with curry leaves

Kerala Coconut Vegetable Stew is a mild, gently spiced curry where carrots, potato, beans, peas and cauliflower simmer in coconut milk with whole spices, ginger and curry leaves. Unlike fiery curries, this stew is soft, creamy and lightly peppery, with the sweetness of coconut milk in every spoonful and no cream, butter or ghee. It is fully vegan and is traditionally served with appam, but it also works well with idiyappam, dosa or plain steamed rice for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner, and it can fit into a balanced diet alongside those staples. Practical tip: add the thick coconut milk only at the very end and do not boil the stew after that — hard boiling can split coconut milk and dull its fresh flavour, so just warm it through on the lowest heat.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

17 items
Yields: 4 (Tap items to check them off as you cook)

Step-by-Step Instructions

6 steps
  1. 1

    Step 1

    Heat the coconut oil in a deep pan on medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves and lightly crushed green cardamom pods and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Step 2

    Add the curry leaves, thinly sliced onion, ginger and slit green chillies. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent — do not brown it, as the stew should stay pale.

  3. 3

    Step 3

    Add the diced carrot, diced potato, French beans, green peas and cauliflower florets. Mix well so the vegetables are coated with the spiced oil.

  4. 4

    Step 4

    Pour in the thin coconut milk, add the salt, mix, cover and simmer on low-medium heat for 12–15 minutes, until the potato and carrot are tender when pressed with a spoon.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Lower the heat to the minimum. Pour in the thick coconut milk and stir gently for 2–3 minutes, just until the stew is warmed through. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Sprinkle in the black pepper powder, check the salt, switch off the heat and rest the stew, covered, for 5 minutes before serving hot.

Chef's Pro Tip

For optimal flavor, ensure all fresh spices are freshly roasted or ground before adding. Adjust seasoning gradually according to taste and let the dish rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Tags & Keywords

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