Masala Vegetable Stew

Creamy coconut milk makes a delectable base for this delicately curried vegetable melange. For a simple and savory feast, serve with a side dish of bulgur/rice studded with dried fruit bits, a salad of cucumbers and tomatoes in yogurt also called raita and warm flatbread also called naan or roti.

Serves 6 to 8

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

2 medium onions, chopped

2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

4 medium carrots, sliced

1/2 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces

2 cups frozen cut green beans

1 to 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

2 fresh mild chili peppers, seeded and minced

2 tsp. garam masala or good-quality curry powder, or to taste

1 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. turmeric

15-oz. can lite coconut milk

1 cup frozen green peas

1/4 tsp. chopped cilantro

Directions

1. In large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring often, until onions are golden. Add potatoes, carrots and 2 cups water and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer gently until potatoes are about halfway tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Add cauliflower, green beans, ginger, chillies, garam masala, coriander and turmeric. Continue to simmer gently, covered, until vegetables are tender, 20 minutes.
2. Mash some potatoes against side of pot with wooden spoon (this helps to thicken stew). Stir in coconut milk and season to taste with salt. If time allows, let stew stand an hour or so before serving.
3. Just before serving, heat stew and taste and correct seasonings. Stir in peas and cilantro and cook just until peas are heated through, then serve in shallow bowls.

 

Vegetarian Times Issue: March 1, 2001