Steam or pressure cook peeled and cubed vegetables. Set aside.
Grind coconut, cashews and poppy seeds to a fine paste.
Heat 1 tablespoon kadai in a pan. Add 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, 2 cardamoms and saute well. Add finely chopped onions and saute till soft. Add cubed tomatoes and saute till they turn mushy.
Add the steamed veggies and mix well. Add chili powder, turmeric owder and required salt. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the coconut paste and mix well. Add 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix well and cook for 20 minutes in sim.
Add cilantro leaves and switch off flame. Add lemon juice and mix well. Serve idiyappam kurma hot.
Notes
1. Instead of whole spices you can add garam masala powder 2. Increase/ decrease coconut, cashews as per preference.