Okra Potato Coconut Curry (vegan)

This was probably one of my favorite curries I've ever made. Super yum!

Ingredients:

1lb 8oz potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes (I steam these for a few minutes to soften them up before throwing them in)

enough okra to compete with the potatoes (heh) ... cut off tops and then cut in half.

2 tablespoons oil (I used canola)
1 onion (thinly sliced)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons crushed garlic
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
20 curry leaves**
2 tablespoons curry powder (I use a Madras medium-hot blend)
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 can lite (i.e. lowfat) coconut milk
3/4 cup veggie broth
2/3 cup fresh coconut**
6 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Heat the oil in a large skillet with sides. Add onion and stir-fry over medium heat until onion is translucent and soft. Stir in the ginger, garlic, cinnamon, curry leaves, curry powder, ground coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Throw in the okra and the potatoes. Cook on medium-low heat until the potatoes and okra are cooked through. Once it's done, top with the coconut and cilantro.

Serve over basmati rice. Mmmm.

**I bought my curry leaves at Patel Brothers in Jackson Heights, Queens. Unfortunately, I'm yet to find another place in New York City that has fresh curry leaves! What gives??? I'm sure they exist somewhere closer to my home in Brooklyn. Please let me know if you know a place ... sheesh.
Curry leaves look like this and they make things taste divine. :)


I get my unsweetened coconut from Indian grocers. It's what I'd call a "powdered" coconut because it is fine like a powder. Any coconut you'd find in a regular supermarket will not be a good substitute.
This is the coconut I purchased at my favorite Indian grocer on 1st Avenue and 6th Street in Manhattan ... just to give you an idea of what you're looking for. It's only about $2.50.


NOTE: This recipe is a veganized version of the "Coconut Lamb Curry" recipe found on page 112 in the book 200 Curries by Sunil Vijayakar. (This book is inexpensive and it has some great, authentic, curries in it!)