Authentic Vegetable Stew Recipe – Coconut Milk & Green Bean Curry

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Vegetable Stew Recipe – Coconut Milk & Green Bean Curry

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a comforting, flavorful stew is always a good idea. This Vegetable Stew, or ‘Ishtu’ as we call it back home, is a classic Kerala recipe that’s been a staple in my family for generations. I first made this on my own when I moved away from home, and it instantly transported me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with goodness, and tastes absolutely divine with appam, idli, or even a simple piece of bread. Let’s get cooking!

Yields: 6 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegetable Stew isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! It’s wonderfully fragrant, subtly spiced, and the creamy coconut milk just ties everything together beautifully. It’s also super versatile – feel free to swap in your favorite veggies. Plus, it’s a relatively quick and easy dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting stew:

• 2 tablespoon coconut oil
• 7-8 curry leaves
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 3-4 Thai green chillies
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed
• 3 medium carrots, cubed
• 15-16 green beans
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 1.5 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Coconut Oil: Varieties & Uses

Coconut oil is key to that authentic South Indian flavor. You can use refined or unrefined coconut oil. Refined has a higher smoke point, while unrefined has a stronger coconut aroma – I personally prefer unrefined for this stew! (About 30ml)

Curry Leaves: Fresh vs. Dried & Regional Significance

Fresh curry leaves are always best, if you can get your hands on them. They have a unique, citrusy aroma that dried leaves just can’t replicate. They’re hugely important in South Indian cooking, and no Kerala stew is complete without them! If you absolutely must use dried, use about half the amount.

Thai Green Chillies: Heat Level & Substitutions

Thai green chillies pack a punch! Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. If you can’t find them, serrano peppers are a good substitute. (Around 15-20g)

Coconut Milk: Full-Fat vs. Light & Flavor Impact

Full-fat coconut milk will give you the richest, creamiest stew. Light coconut milk works in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense. I always recommend full-fat for the best results! (400ml)

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat the coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the curry leaves, slit green chillies, and minced ginger. Sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells amazing!
2. Add the chopped red onion and sauté until softened, but don’t let it brown. We want it translucent, not caramelized.
3. Now, for a little shortcut I learned from my mom: microwave the cubed potatoes with a little water for 2 minutes to soften them slightly. This helps them cook faster in the stew. Add the potatoes, carrots, and green beans to the pot. Sprinkle with salt and give everything a good mix.
4. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. You can test with a fork – they should be easily pierced.
5. Pour in the coconut milk, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t boil it, just a gentle simmer!
6. Here’s a trick my grandmother taught me: turn off the heat, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, cover the pot immediately, and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to really infuse and deepen.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pot! If you’re making a large batch, cook the vegetables in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s palate is different!
• For a richer flavor, use homemade coconut milk.

Variations

This stew is a blank canvas for your creativity!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your coconut milk to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free. Perfect for everyone to enjoy!

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Spicy)

Reduce or omit the green chillies for a milder stew. My friend, Sarah, loves to add a pinch of red chilli powder for an extra kick!

Festival Adaptation (Onam/Kerala Christian New Year)

During Onam or Kerala Christian New Year, this stew is often served as part of a larger sadya (feast). It’s traditionally paired with appam and other festive dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Vegetable Stew hot with:

• Appam (my personal favorite!)
• Idli
• Dosa
• Bread (a simple, comforting option)
• Rice

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors actually develop even more overnight!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions.

What type of coconut oil is best for this vegetable stew?

Unrefined coconut oil will give you the most authentic flavor, but refined works too if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I use other vegetables in this stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, cauliflower, or even mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I adjust the thickness of the stew?

If you want a thicker stew, simmer it for a longer period to reduce the liquid. You can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water.

What is the best way to prepare the potatoes for quicker cooking?

Microwaving the potatoes for a couple of minutes before adding them to the stew helps them cook faster.

Can this stew be made ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually improve when it sits overnight. Just reheat gently before serving.

Enjoy this little piece of Kerala sunshine! I hope you love it as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!