Coconut Curried Vegetable Stew

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat the oil, broth, or water in a large soup pot. Add the onion and garlic and sauté over medium heat until the onion is golden. Add the carrots, potatoes, and 2 cups water and bring to a rapid simmer. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are about half tender.

   Step 2

   Add the cauliflower, ginger, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, chili peppers (if desired), and coconut milk. Return to a simmer; add the green beans or asparagus. Continue to simmer gently, covered, until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes longer.

   Step 3

   Mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon to thicken the stew’s base. Stir in the spinach and cilantro and cook just until the spinach is wilted. The stew should have a thick consistency, with just enough liquid to warrant serving it in bowls rather than on a plate. Adjust the liquid with water or nondairy milk, keeping in mind that as the stew stands, it will thicken. Adjust the seasonings to taste.