FARMER’S KITCHEN
Ingredients
Vegetables
1 cup potato, cubed
½ cup carrot, sliced
½ cup green beans, chopped
½ cup green peas
½ cup cauliflower, small florets
1 medium onion, sliced
2 green chillies, slit
For the Stew
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1-inch piece cinnamon
3 cardamom pods
3 cloves
1 small bay leaf
1 tablespoon ginger, thinly sliced
1 sprig curry leaves
1½ cups thin coconut milk
½ cup thick coconut milk
Salt to taste
Fresh curry leaves for garnishing
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and cut all the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Spice Base
Heat coconut oil in a deep pan.
Add cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and bay leaf. Sauté gently until aromatic.
Add sliced onion, ginger, green chillies and curry leaves.
Cook until the onion becomes soft. Do not brown the onions too much.
3. Add the Vegetables
Add the potato, carrot, beans, peas and cauliflower.
Mix everything together and season with salt.
4. Cook the Vegetables
Add thin coconut milk and cover the pan.
Cook on medium-low heat until the vegetables become tender but still retain their shape.
5. Add Thick Coconut Milk
Reduce the flame completely and add thick coconut milk.
Mix gently and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Do not boil the stew vigorously after adding thick coconut milk.
6. Finish the Stew
Add fresh curry leaves and a small drizzle of coconut oil.
Turn off the flame and allow the stew to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips
Use fresh vegetables for the best taste and texture.
Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
Coconut oil gives the stew an authentic Kerala flavour.
Keep the onions light in colour; Kerala vegetable stew is usually mild and creamy.
Add thick coconut milk only towards the end.
Avoid boiling after adding thick coconut milk.
Adjust the consistency with thin coconut milk according to your preference.
For extra aroma, add a few fresh curry leaves just before serving.
Best Served With
Appam
Idiyappam
Kerala parotta
Bread
Chapati
Puttu
Farmer’s Kitchen Tip
Simple ingredients, gentle spices and creamy coconut milk come together to create the comforting taste of Kerala.