This vegetarian stew is a traditional dish from my home state of Andhra Pradesh, India and we call it Mukkala Pulusu (Mukkala = chopped vegetables; Pulusu = stew). Traditionally, this dish is served with some steaming hot rice and a simple dal.
Vegan Stew Recipe Ingredients
Veggies, veggies and more veggies is the essence of this dish! Vegetables: Pumpkin is the star of the show in this recipe. The other vegetables that I have added are sweet potatoes, string (green) beans and okra. Jaggery: I love the caramel taste of this golden brown unrefined sugar. You can use muscovado or dark brown sugar instead. Tamarind Extract: I make tamarind extract at home. Feel free to use shop bought tamarind extract/concentrate. Learn how to make tamarind extract at home. Chickpea Flour: (Besan) This helps bind the liquid and give the stew a smooth texture. Spices for tempering: The spices used in tempering, help add loads of flavour (and extra health benefits) to the dish. It is ok to skip this step entirely - the stew will still taste delicious!
A quick note about the vegetables
Being a veggie forward dish, this stew is a blank canvas for vegetables that you can add to it. Having said that, as a rule of thumb, add only those vegetables that can hold their shape and not get too mushy when cooked. In addition to what I have included in this recipe - sweet potatoes, pumpkin, string beans and okra, these vegetables work well: carrots, potatoes, calabash (bottle gourd), ash gourd and drumsticks/moringa. The vegetables that should definitely not be used are: bitter melon, beetroot and aubergine. They are not meant for this recipe. Do you love stews as well? Do let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you - Padma
Instructions
This is one of those fuss free recipes that hardly requires any work. Just a few steps and voila! it is done!
Substitutions
Jaggery: Instead of jaggery, you can use muscovado or dark brown sugar.
Tempering: It is ok to skip this step completely. The stew will still taste yummy!
Sweet potatoes: Do not have them? It ok, use potatoes instead.
Pumpkin: You can use butter nut squash instead of pumpkin.
Chickpea Flour: You can use rice flour or all purpose flour instead of chickpea flour (besan)
This recipe is a winner because
Well, for starters, it is a hassle free, one pot dish! Less washing, yay!
If you, like me, despise chopping vegetables and /or are rushed for time, this stew is such a savior! It is one of those rustic recipes that requires no fine chopping skills nor any elaborate preparations!
This stew has SO many vegetables in it that you do not need another side dish.
All this requires are pantry staples such as sweet potatoes (or potatoes), carrots, okra, pumpkin.
It is a great way to introduce veggies to your child. Having a good balance between sweet and sour, you little one will fall in love with it!
This can be hand on its own - a big bowl of this can make a satisfying meal. You can have it as a side to your main meal.
Serving suggestions
I am so excited to be sharing this childhood favorite dish with you. I have grown up having this veggie stew with rice and dal. The bland rice beautifully balances the sweet-sour of the stew. If you are not a big fan of rice, serve this stew on a bed of mash potatoes. You can enjoy a bowl of this with your favorite soup roll. Or just enjoy it on its own. Here are some other dishes that will go well with this stew.
Gluten Free Naan
Jeera Rice
I hope that you enjoy making this vegan stew as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you. If you have made it, please take a moment to leave a comment and /or a rating below. This will make me super happy and motivate me to create more good content for you! xx Padma
📖 Recipe
Disclosure: The nutritional information is calculated using an online calculator and is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionists’ advice. Changing the quantities and cooking technique will alter the nutritional calculations.
