Ishtu, a cozy potato stew from Kerala, is a simple vegan recipe known for its creamy coconut milk base and gentle flavor. When I started learning to cook, this was one of the first recipes I learned. It’s very easy to make with just a few ingredients, and it doesn’t take much time on the stove. Additionally, my family loved this dish its humble yet tasty flavor, and it quickly became a favorite side-dish in our home. Its soft texture and delicious taste make it a favorite among kids, too!
Traditionally, Ishtu involves cooking potatoes in thin coconut milk until it reduces. Then, you add thick coconut milk and bring it to a gentle boil. After that, you take the dish off the heat and garnish it with coconut oil and curry leaves. However, I like to add some vegetables like carrot and peas, which not only make the dish more colorful but also more nutritious.
We enjoy serving Ishtu with fluffy appam or delicate idiyappam. The stew’s soft texture goes perfectly with these rice-based dishes.
Ishtu
Let try Ishtu, tasty coconut stew made with vegetables and aromatics. This easy recipe is perfect to enjoy with appams, rice, or roti.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes or 3 medium potatoes - peeled and diced
- 1 small carrot – peeled and diced (optional)
- ¼ cup of green peas (optional)
- 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit into 2
- 1 cup thin coconut milk (fresh or canned) *Note: You can make thin coconut milk from canned coconut milk by mixing half a cup of water with half a cup of canned coconut milk. If you're using coconut milk powder, simply follow the package instructions.
- 1 cup thick coconut milk
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- A few curry leaves
Instructions
- Peel and dice the 2 large or 3 medium potatoes and 1 small carrot (optional).
- Wash ½ cup of fresh peas (optional).
- Pressure cook the vegetables along with chopped 1-inch ginger and 2 slit green chilies.
- Once cooked, roughly mash the potatoes and add 1 cup thin coconut milk.
- Cook the gravy until the entire coconut milk is reduced.
- Now add 1 cup thick coconut milk, and heat until you see it bubbling at the side. Remove from heat. Be cautious not to bring the gravy to a boil.
- Finally, season the curry with one teaspoon of coconut oil and curry leaves.
Notes
Let try Ishtu, tasty coconut stew made with vegetables and aromatics. This easy recipe is perfect to enjoy with appams, rice, or roti.
Enjoy this delicious Ishtu recipe, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike!
Give this delicious Ishtu recipe a try and bring the flavors of Kerala to your table! Share your cooking experience with us on Instagram @platefullofyumm and let us know how you enjoyed it!