Name: Curried Bean Stew with Coconut and Coriander Drizzle
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus a drizzle; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 tsp black or brown mustard seeds; 1 tsp coriander seeds; 1 tbsp medium curry powder; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 15 g ginger, grated; 700 ml coconut milk; 2 cans 400g butter beans, drained; 200 g curly kale, leaves torn; 20 g coriander, roughly chopped; 1 optional green chili, roughly chopped; 1 medium lime, zested and juiced

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I stumbled upon this delicious Curried Bean Stew with Coconut and Coriander Drizzle during a chilly evening when I craved something warm and satisfying. Packed with flavors and textures, this hearty dish combines creamy coconut milk, tender butter beans, and fragrant spices, making it perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick to prepare and even more delightful to enjoy, so let me take you through why this stew deserves a spot on your dinner table.

Why you’ll love this dish

What sets this recipe apart is its unique blend of flavors and nutrient-packed ingredients, making it a go-to option for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends. This stew is not only incredibly filling but also budget-friendly, allowing you to serve a hearty meal without breaking the bank. Plus, with the optional heat from green chili, you can tailor it to suit your family’s taste preferences.

“This Curried Bean Stew is a game changer! It’s packed with flavor and felt like a warm hug on a cold night!” — A satisfied home cook

You can savor this dish on its own or pair it with crusty bread or cooked rice for a more substantial feast. It’s perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or simply cozying up for a relaxing family meal.

Preparing Curried Bean Stew with Coconut and Coriander Drizzle

Let’s dive into the process that turns simple ingredients into a heartwarming stew. In this recipe, you’ll sauté aromatics, create a fragrant curry base, and let everything simmer to perfection. Here’s a quick overview of how this delightful dish comes together:

Start by sautéing onions with spices until they’re fragrant.
Add coconut milk and butter beans, letting it simmer for a comforting consistency.
Throw in some kale for added nutrition and texture, and finish with a fresh coriander drizzle.

By the end, you’ll be captivated by the flavors wafting from your kitchen!

What you’ll need

To create this warming stew, gather these key ingredients:

2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus a drizzle
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tsp black or brown mustard seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tbsp medium curry powder
2 garlic cloves, grated
15g ginger, grated
700ml coconut milk
2 x 400g cans butter beans, drained
200g curly kale, leaves torn
20g coriander, roughly chopped
1 green chili, roughly chopped (optional)
1 lime, zested and juiced

You can easily substitute butter beans with other legumes such as chickpeas if you’re looking for variety or have dietary restrictions.

Step-by-step instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Curried Bean Stew step-by-step:

Heat the Oil: In a large, deep saucepan over medium heat, pour in the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the onion softens.
Add Spices: Sprinkle in the mustard seeds, coriander seeds, curry powder, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until aromatic and the seeds begin to pop.
Coconut and Beans: Pour in 600ml of coconut milk and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and stir in the butter beans. Allow to bubble for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Crispy Kale: Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C/gas mark 4. Drizzle half of the curly kale leaves with oil and season with salt. Spread them on a baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes until crisp.
Coriander Drizzle: In a food processor, combine the remaining coconut milk, coriander, green chili, half of the lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and set it aside.
Finish the Stew: Stir the rest of the kale into the stew and cover. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the kale is tender. Stir in the remaining lime juice.
Serve and Enjoy: Divide the stew into bowls, top with your crispy kale, drizzle with the coriander sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of lime zest.

Best ways to enjoy it

When it comes to serving this Curried Bean Stew, creativity is key! You can serve it hot in bowls, garnished with extra cilantro, or ladled over a bed of fragrant rice or quinoa. For an extra crunch, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds on top. Pair it with warm naan or flatbreads to soak up the delicious sauce!

Storage and reheating tips

If you happen to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Allow the stew to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure the stew is heated thoroughly, either on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout.

Helpful cooking tips

Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Flavor Boost: Don’t shy away from adjusting the spices and seasoning based on your taste preferences. A bit more curry powder can enhance the depth of flavor.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact; if they’ve been sitting in your pantry for a while, consider getting new ones.

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few flavorful variations you can try:

Substitute curly kale with spinach or Swiss chard for different greens.
For added protein, toss in some cooked chicken or tofu.
Turn up the heat with extra chopped chilies or a splash of hot sauce in your coriander drizzle.
Experiment with other legumes like lentils or chickpeas to switch up the texture.

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation and cooking time together will take about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

2. Can I make this stew vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! This stew is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring all your ingredients are plant-based.

3. What should I do if I can’t find butter beans?
If butter beans are unavailable, feel free to swap them out for other beans like cannellini or great northern beans—the flavor profile will still be delightful.

This Curried Bean Stew with Coconut and Coriander Drizzle is more than just a meal; it’s an experience bursting with flavor that you, your family, and friends will be excited to dive into. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!