Veg kurma: Kerala's gentle coconut vegetable stew, explained
Not every Kerala curry is fiery and dark. Veg kurma (also spelled kuruma) is the gentle one: a creamy, fragrant stew of vegetables that is mild enough for almost everyone and satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.
What is kurma?
Kurma is a vegetable stew thickened with coconut, and often with a little cashew or other nut paste. The vegetables are typically carrot, beans, potato and peas. Whole spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves give fragrance without much heat, and fresh green chilli and ginger add a mild lift.
The sauce is pale golden to light green, soft and rounded. It is a close cousin of the stew eaten with appam in Kerala, and it sits comfortably next to hotter dishes on a table.
What goes with veg kurma
- Pathiri: thin rice bread, made to carry curry. See pathiri, explained.
- Porotta and appam: the sauce soaks into the layers.
- Rice: as in a rice bowl, with the stew over the top.
- Puttu: steamed rice and coconut. See puttu.
What to order
Check today's menu for veg kurma dishes: a veg kurma rice bowl and pathiri with veg kuruma are regular. It is a good choice for guests who prefer mild food, and for vegetarians.
Frequently asked questions
Is veg kurma vegan? Kurma is built on coconut, but some recipes use yoghurt, cream or ghee. Ask us about the version we cook that day.
Is it spicy? No, it is mild. If you want more heat, tell us.
Does it contain nuts? Often yes: cashew paste is common. If you have a nut allergy, please tell us when you order.
Is it gluten-free? The stew itself has no wheat, but we also cook with wheat flour in our kitchen, so please ask if you need to avoid traces.
More vegetarian ideas: vegetarian and vegan in Kerala cuisine.
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Petersburger Str. 39, 10249 Berlin-Friedrichshain, Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 to 22:00. Reserve a table.
