Vegetable Stew Recipe – Coconut Milk & Kerala Style Veggies

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Vegetable Stew Recipe – Coconut Milk & Kerala Style Veggies

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a comforting, flavorful stew is always a good idea. Especially one that’s packed with veggies and swimming in creamy coconut milk. This Vegetable Stew, inspired by the Kerala style I grew up with, is exactly that. It’s become a regular in my kitchen – quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect with appam or idiyappam. I first made this when I was craving a taste of home, and it instantly transported me back to my grandmother’s kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another vegetable stew. It’s a hug in a bowl! Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Flavorful: The combination of coconut milk, ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves creates a wonderfully aromatic and delicious stew.
• Easy to Make: Seriously, it comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with colorful vegetables, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins.
• Versatile: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies – it’s super adaptable.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this Kerala-inspired delight:

• 3 cups grated coconut
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 potato, sliced
• 7 beans, trimmed and sliced
• 8 cauliflower florets
• 1 teaspoon corn flour (cornstarch)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Approximately 1 ½ – 2 cups water (divided)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Coconut variations: Traditionally, fresh grated coconut is used. But desiccated coconut works in a pinch! You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of desiccated coconut and a little extra water to grind it into a paste.
• Coconut oil: Using good quality coconut oil is key. I prefer the cold-pressed variety for its lovely aroma. You can use refined coconut oil if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
• Regional vegetable preferences: In Kerala, you’ll often find this stew with pumpkin, sweet potato, or even plantain. Feel free to experiment!
• Corn flour (cornstarch): This helps to slightly thicken the stew. Don’t worry, you won’t taste it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Extract the coconut milk: First, grind the grated coconut with about ¾ – 1 cup of water. You want a smooth paste. Strain this mixture to get your thick coconut milk. Don’t toss the coconut pulp just yet! Re-grind it with 1 cup of warm water to extract the thin coconut milk. Set both aside.
2. Prep the veggies: Slice all your vegetables into thin, bite-sized strips. Slit the green chilies lengthwise and roughly chop the onions.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute or two until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. This is where the magic starts!
4. Simmer the vegetables: Add the carrots, potatoes, beans, and cauliflower florets to the pan. Pour in the thin coconut milk and 1 cup of water. Season with salt. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly firm.
5. Thicken and finish: Dissolve the corn flour in 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the stew. Stir well and simmer for another minute. Now, gently pour in the thick coconut milk. Heat gently on low flame for just a minute – don’t let it boil!
6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with a fresh sprig of curry leaves. Serve warm!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overcook the vegetables! You want them to retain a little bit of crunch.
• Adjust the amount of green chilies to your spice preference.
• Using a heavy-bottomed pot will prevent the coconut milk from scorching.

Variations

This stew is a blank canvas for your creativity!

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your coconut oil is vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment:
  • Mild: Reduce the green chilies to 1 or omit them altogether.
  • Medium: Use 2 green chilies as the recipe states.
  • Spicy: Add an extra green chili or a pinch of chili powder.
• Festival Adaptations: My family always makes a larger batch of this stew for Onam and Vishu – it’s a festive favorite! We sometimes add a few pieces of jackfruit for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is incredibly versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• With appam (lace-edged pancakes) – a classic pairing!
• With idiyappam (string hoppers)
• With rice – perfect for a comforting meal.
• With roti or paratha – for a slightly different twist.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please!

• Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The coconut milk might separate slightly, but it will still taste delicious.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What type of coconut is best for this stew?

Freshly grated coconut is ideal for the most authentic flavor. However, desiccated coconut works well too!

Can I use store-bought coconut milk instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! Use about 400ml (1 ¾ cups) of full-fat coconut milk. You might want to add a little water to adjust the consistency.

What vegetables can I substitute in this stew?

Feel free to swap in your favorites! Pumpkin, sweet potato, peas, or even mushrooms would be delicious.

How can I adjust the thickness of the stew?

If you want a thicker stew, add a little more corn flour dissolved in water. For a thinner stew, add a splash of water or coconut milk.

Is this stew suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It reheats beautifully and the flavors actually develop even more overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

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!