Kerala Style Vegetable Stew

Kerala Style Vegetable Stew

Mild an flavorful vegetable stew ,usually served with palappam.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3 to 4 people
Ingredients:

1. Cardamom-3 nos
2. Cloves-3 nos
3. Cinnamon stick-1 " piece
4. Whole black pepper-8 to 10 nos
5. Ginger,finely chopped- 1.5 tsp
6. Garlic,finely chopped-1.5 tsp
7. Green chilies,cut vertically-2 to 3 nos( or according to taste)
8. Onion ,sliced-1 large
9. Curry leaves-2 sprigs
10. Carrot,cubed- 1 medium
11. French beans,cut into 1" pieces-5 to 6 nos
12. Green peas,frozen or fresh-1/2 cup( see notes)
13. Potato,cubed- 1 medium
14. Thin coconut milk-1.5 cups
15. Thick coconut milk-1/2 to 3/4 cup
16. Oil / Ghee-as required
17. Salt-to taste

Instructions:

Heat oil in a pan ,add cardamom,cloves,cinnamon and whole black pepper.Saute until fragrant.

Add ginger,garlic,green chilies,onion and curry leaves.Saute until onion turns translucent.

Add carrot,beans,green peas and potato.

Add  thin coconut milk.Add salt to taste and mix well.Cover and cook until done.

Remove the lid , add thick coconut milk and cook for few more minutes.Heat oil/ghee in a pan,add curry leaves and saute for few seconds.Add this to the vegetable stew and stir gently.

Serve with palappam / idiappam /roti..

NOTES

•  If you want a thicker gravy,add 1 or  2 tbsp of cashew nut paste along with thick coconut milk.To prepare cashew nut paste soak 6 to 8 cashew nuts in warm water  for about 10 minutes and grind to form a smooth paste.
• Adjust the quantity of green chilies according to your taste.
• If you are using dried green peas,soak it in water for about  8 hours.Drain and cook using a pressure cooker until 3/4 th done and then add it to the sauteed onions,along with the rest of the vegetables.