You can’t get a more typical Kerala dish than this lightly spiced, delicate and aromatic curry made with mixed vegetables and coconut milk. It is unimpeachably popular in Kerala, where it is typically eaten with appams. Added bonus: it is gluten-free and vegan.

  • Serves

    2

  • Cook Time

    00 h 30 m

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • 1/2 cup carrot, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup potato, cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup beans, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp black peppercorn, crushed
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • 3 cardamom
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 strip curry leaves
  • Salt to taste

Preparation

  1. Before cooking, you need to get the first and second extract of coconut milk.
  2. For the first extract, pour 1 cup warm water over grated coconut, squeeze this over a bowl to yield about 1 1/3 cups, and then strain. If you don't have a strainer, use a piece of muslin or cheesecloth. Repeat the process for the second extract.
  3. In a pan, boil the vegetables with curry leaves, whole spices (cardamom, cloves and cinnamon stick), the second extract of coconut milk and salt.
  4. When the vegetables turn soft, add the first extract of coconut milk and turn up the heat.
  5. Add freshly ground peppercorns and salt. Turn off the heat.
  6. Pour in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Your Vegetable Stew is ready to serve. 
Written by

Regi Mathew

Regi Mathew, co-owner and culinary director of Kappa Chakka Kandhari in Chennai and Bengaluru, is Scroll Food’s Chef of the Month for September. His culinary career, which began with the Taj Group of Hotels, has taken him to several countries, where he has learnt many cuisines. After 25 years in the F&B industry, he decided to closely explore the cuisine of his home state, Kerala. For three years, he travelled through the state, researching its food, and working with 265 housewives and 70 toddy shops, some of whom are now part of the restaurant’s kitchen. He has won several accolades in his career, including being adjudged the Chef of the Year at the Times Food Awards, Chennai, in 2018.

See more by Regi Mathew