Istoo is the Malayalam corruption of 'stew'.It is a part of the menu for feasts but can also served with appam and idiappam.The stew can be made with various combinations of ingredients which are usually indicated in the name of the dish,except when it is made only with potatoes,when it is called just istoo.
2 medium-sized potatoes,peeled and cut into 5-cm cubes
1 medium-sized onion,chopped
10 green chillies,slit
3-cm piece ginger,chopped
1 tsp black pepper powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup coconut milk
1 stalk curry leaves
2 tbsp oil
Method of Preparation
Place potatoes,onion,green chillies,ginger,pepper,salt and 3/4 cup water in a pan over moderate heat and cook till potatoes are tender enough to break lightly into smaller pieces with a laadle.
Stir in coconut milk and curry leaves and heat through for a minute.
Heat oil and pour it in.Mix well and serve.
Variations:
Pachakari Istoo(Mixed Vegetables Stew):Use 250gms of mixed vegetables (bittergourd,potato,colocasia,string beans,etc.) instead of potatoes.Add 2 petals chopped cambodge after vegetables are tender,bring to boil,and continue as given.
Irachi Istoo(Meat Stew):Cook 500gms cubed meat in a pressure cooker with 2 chopped onions,8 slit green chillies,pepper,salt and 1/2 cup water for 30 minutes,and proceed as given,using 2 cups coconut milk.
Meen Istoo(Fish Stew):Use 250gms of fish with 2 petals chopped cambodge.Cook over low heat for 10 minutes and continue as given.
