The mixed veggie stew is the perfect serving on any auspicious occasion. The stew is also a commonly served delicacy in time of illness and comes with all the goodness of protein and fiber that veggies are known to bring with them. The mixed veggie stew from the kitchen of Maharashtra is a common sight on many menus spread across the state and country. It is easy to put together and saves on a lot of cooking time once the ingredients re all kept ready at hand. You can add to the gravy consistency according to individual preference and mix and be innovative with the ingredients too.
Ingredients:
1/4kg each of potatoes, carrots and cauliflower
2 green chilies cut fine
1 teaspoon of ginger paste
1 cup of freshly extracted coconut milk
5-6 curry leaves
1 onion of medium size, sliced very fine
1/4 cup of cooking medium or oil
2 each - green cardamoms, peppercorns, cloves
1/2 inch piece of tender cinnamon stick
Water and salt to taste
Popular Accompaniments:
The stew goes well with plain boiled rice or rotis. The gravy can be dried as much as you would want it to be and at the same time it can be kept with enough gravy to soak into a dinner roll or even a fried rice. It goes well as a soup too when ill and is very nutritious for children.
Main Cooking:
First heat the oil or cooking medium well in a heavy bottom pan.
Then, add the whole spices - cloves, cardamoms, peppercorns and cinnamon and allow the spices to offer the oil the flavor of each.
You will know when this is achieved by observing the cardamom – it turns a light brown.
After frying the spices for a few seconds, add the ginger paste, onion and green chilies.
Allow this base mix to sauté for at least 2–3 minutes.
The onion slices should get separated and well browned.
Next add the diced potatoes, carrots and cauliflower along with the curry leaves.
Sprinkle salt and water just enough to suit taste and texture of the gravy base.
Allow the stew to cook for around 10 minutes on a low-medium fire.
Ensure that the vegetables are cooked by trying to slice them against the side of the pan.
Now add the coconut milk and stir the gray on the low fire for around a minute or two.
