Masala Vegetable Stew

Masala Vegetable Stew Recipe from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Masala Vegetable Stew is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This stew is packed with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Masala Vegetable Stew is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, where it is known for its rich and complex flavors. This stew has been enjoyed for generations and is often made with a combination of seasonal vegetables and spices.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 medium onions, chopped
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 medium carrots, sliced
0.5 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups frozen cut green beans
1 to 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 fresh mild chile peppers, seeded and minced
2 tsp garam masala or good-quality curry powder, or to taste
1 tsp ground coriander
0.5 tsp turmeric
15 oz (425 g) can lite coconut milk
1 cup frozen green peas
0.25 tsp chopped cilantro

How to prepare

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

Variations

Add chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika, or cinnamon.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder and chiles to suit your taste preferences.

- Let the stew stand for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Masala Vegetable Stew with steamed rice or warm naan bread for a complete and filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the stew gently to allow the flavors to develop.

- Mash some of the potatoes to thicken the stew.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular coconut milk instead of lite coconut milk.

- Substitute frozen vegetables with fresh vegetables if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

Masala Vegetable Stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh cilantro leaves or a dollop of yogurt for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Masala Vegetable Stew with a side of basmati rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 10g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 5g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

- Vitamin C: 70%

- Calcium: 8%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut milk, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Masala Vegetable Stew is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great source of fiber and protein, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Masala Vegetable Stew is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Masala Vegetable Stew. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my friend Meera at her home. Meera was an amazing cook and always had the most delicious dishes prepared for us whenever I visited.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of spices wafting through the air. Meera was standing at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling stew, and I could tell right away that whatever she was making was going to be incredible.

I watched in awe as Meera added a medley of colorful vegetables to the pot, along with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The stew simmered gently on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water.

Curious, I asked Meera what she was making, and she smiled and told me it was her famous Masala Vegetable Stew. She explained that it was a traditional Indian recipe that had been passed down through her family for generations.

Eager to learn more, I asked Meera if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She nodded enthusiastically and began to list off the ingredients and instructions, guiding me through each step with patience and expertise.

I watched closely as Meera worked her culinary magic, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that, tasting and adjusting the flavors until the stew was just right. I was amazed at how effortlessly she combined the ingredients to create a dish that was both comforting and full of bold, spicy flavors.

Once the stew was ready, Meera ladled it into bowls and served it with warm, fluffy naan bread. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a world of rich, complex tastes that danced on my palate.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I knew I had to learn how to make this incredible stew for myself so that I could enjoy its comforting warmth whenever I pleased.

Meera graciously agreed to teach me how to make Masala Vegetable Stew, and over the next few weeks, we spent countless hours in the kitchen together, chopping vegetables, toasting spices, and simmering pots of stew until they were bursting with flavor.

With each batch we made, I grew more confident in my cooking abilities, and soon I was able to recreate the stew on my own, impressing my family and friends with my newfound culinary skills.

As the years passed, I continued to make Masala Vegetable Stew, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes and preferences. I experimented with different vegetables, added extra spices, and even tried serving it over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

No matter how many times I made it, though, the stew always brought me back to that sunny afternoon in Meera's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this traditional Indian dish.

Now, whenever I make Masala Vegetable Stew, I think of Meera and the invaluable gift she gave me by sharing her family recipe. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to share a piece of myself through the food I prepare.

I am grateful for the knowledge and skills Meera passed on to me, and I look forward to continuing the tradition by teaching others how to make this delicious stew, spreading the joy of good food and good company wherever I go.

And so, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I raise my spoon to the memory of that fateful day when I learned to make Masala Vegetable Stew, a recipe that will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.