Pasta Vegetable Stew

            This yummy Kerala style hearty Pasta & Veggie Stew is a must try recipe. Very easy and healthy, it is a perfect meal to be enjoyed just as it is, with appam or idiyappam. It is in fact a one-pot wonder that can be relished as a light meal too. It is very light on the tummy and the creamy texture from the coconut milk gives it a rich and an aromatic flavour with a hint of sweetness. 

• 1 cup pasta, boiled al dente
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potatoes, etc. ) cut lengthwise
• 2 & 1/2  cups thin coconut milk
• 1 cup thick coconut milk
• 2 tbsp. coconut oil
• 1" cinnamon stick
• 3-4 green cardamoms
• 4-5 cloves
• 1-2 star anise
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1" ginger, chopped
• 2 fresh green chilies, slit
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. pepper powder

          Heat oil in a pan and temper with the cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves, bay leaves and star anise. Add the ginger, onion and curry leaves. Sauté till the onion is translucent.

          Then add the veggies and green chilies. Give it a mix. Add the thin coconut milk, salt and pepper. Simmer on a low flame till everything is nicely cooked.

           Add the thick coconut milk and boiled pasta. Give it a stir and bring it to a boil. Switch off the flame. 

          Garnish with a pinch of pepper powder and serve just as it is, with appam or idiyappam.