Chettinad Style Vegetable Kurma Recipe
- Nov 21, 2023
- 3 min read

I remember how I used to order vegetable kurma and parotta from Saravana Bhavan when ever I visited Chennai. The veg kurma is one dish that I just can not miss. So join me and indulge your senses with this Chettinad Style Vegetable Kurma Recipe, a gem from the vibrant Tamil Nadu vegetarian cuisine. This aromatic and spicy vegetable stew is a star of Chettinad cuisine, known for its bold use of spices and masala blends. If you've ever loved the restaurant-style yellow kurma paired with piping hot parotta, idiappam, or dosa, then this kurma is sure to captivate your taste buds.
I was born in Tamil Nadu and I'm all about bringing a bit of Tamil Nadu into my kitchen every now and then, and this Chettinad vegetable kurma is a regular guest on my table. It's like a special treat that I whip up almost every month. The best part? It goes perfectly with parotta, idiappam, or dosa - take your pick!
Now, here's the deal with this kurma: it's not just tasty; it's also super flexible. You can toss in your favorite veggies, but keep it cool on the colourful ones like beetroot – they mess with the kurma's vibe. Oh, and when you're making the spice mix, go easy to keep that inviting colour intact.
Come join me on this easy and tasty journey of making Chettinad Vegetable Kurma. It's like a little piece of Tamil Nadu right in your kitchen. Let's cook up some warmth and spice together! 🌶️🍲
About Chettinad Cuisine
The Chettinad cuisine is a culinary treasure trove hailing from the vibrant Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu, India. Picture a place where every dish tells a story of tradition, spice, and rich cultural heritage.
Chettinad cuisine is the pride of the Nattukottai Chettiars, a community known for its business acumen and, of course, its exquisite taste in food. What sets Chettinad cuisine apart is its bold use of spices, creating dishes that are a symphony of flavours. From fiery curries to aromatic masala mixes, each bite is a sensory adventure.
Now, let's talk about the spice factor. Chettinad dishes are not for the faint-hearted; they are known for their spiciness and aromatic blends that leave a lasting impression. The cuisine beautifully marries flavors fennel, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, creating a dance of tastes on your palate. The taste of fennel seeds dominated the Chettinad cuisine.
While Chettinad is renowned for its non-vegetarian specialties, with dishes like Chettinad Chicken Curry taking the spotlight, the vegetarian fare is equally impressive. Think spicy vellai paniyarams and the oh-so-tempting Chettinad Vegetable Kurma that we are going to explore.
So, whether you're a spice enthusiast or someone eager to explore the diverse world of Indian cuisine, Chettinad dishes offer a unique and unforgettable experience. It's a celebration of spices, a symphony of flavors, and a journey into the heart of Tamil Nadu's gastronomic heritage.
Ingredients to make Chettinad Style Veg Kurma
2 Onions chopped
2 tomatoes chopped
1 potato
1 cup carrot
1 cup cauliflower
1 cup french beans
1 cup green peas
1/4 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
8 cloves of garlic
1 piece ginger
4 green chilii
grated coconut
2 tsp fennel
2 cardamon
2 cloves
1/2 star anise
12 cashews
1 tsp jeera
1/2 tsp mustard
few curry leaves
3 tbs oil
Method of preparation of Chettinad style vegetable kurma
1. Add potatoes, cauliflower, peas, carrots, french beans and 1 cup of water and pressure cook it on high flame until you hear 1 whistle.

2. In a pan add oil. Add fennel, cardamon, star anise and cloves. Add cashews and sauté until they turn golden brown.

3. Add 1 chopped onion, ginger, garlic and green chilli and sauté it until onions turns golden brown in colour.

4. Add coconut and have cup tomato and sauté it.

5. After this is cooked, blend it into a paste.
6. In a pan, add oil, and add mustard seeds, fennel seeds and cumin seeds.

7. Add curry leaves and 1 chopped onion.

8. Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp coriander powder and salt.

9. Add 1/2 cup chopped tomato and add 1/4 tsp chilli powder and sauté for a minute

10. Add the blended Chettinad masala paste and add 1/4 tsp garam masala.

11. Add boiled vegetables, 1/2 cup water and let it simmer for 10 mins.


Awesome recipe! I made this today. Tasted like saravana bhavan kurma!
I have always wanted to make this kurma, Such an easy to follow. recipe with clear directions! I will try this tonight for sure.