Sweet and Sour Vegetables

Sweet and Sour Vegetables Recipe | Vegetarian Cambodian/Laos Cuisine

Region / culture: Cambodia, Laos | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Sweet and sour vegetables is a popular dish that combines the tangy flavors of pineapple juice and vinegar with the sweetness of brown sugar. This dish is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet while enjoying a delicious and flavorful meal.

History

Sweet and sour vegetables is a classic Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of sweet and sour flavors is a staple in Chinese cuisine and has been adapted and enjoyed in various cultures around the world.

Ingredients

1 can (20 oz or 567 g) pineapple chunks in juice
1 cup sliced carrots
4 cups chopped broccoli
1 onion, cut in wedges
1 cup water
1 bunch scallions, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 large green pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
Sauce
1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
0.25 cup cider vinegar
2.5 tbsp soy sauce
0.33 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch

How to prepare

Drain the pineapple, keeping the juice aside.
In a large pot or wok, sauté the vegetables (except the Broccoli) with 0.5 cup of water, garlic, and ginger for 5 minutes.
Add the Broccoli and the remaining 0.5 cup of water. Stir well, cover, and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Stir in the pineapple chunks and the sauce mixture.
Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens. Serve and enjoy! (This recipe is suitable for vegans.)

Variations

Add protein such as tofu, tempeh, or chicken for a heartier meal.
Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or water chestnuts for added variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are just tender to maintain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less brown sugar and vinegar.

- Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources such as tofu or tempeh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve sweet and sour vegetables over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the preferred cooking technique for this dish to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and to evenly distribute the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute apple cider vinegar for cider vinegar if needed.

- Use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quick and easy meal prep. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sweet and sour vegetables in a colorful bowl or plate for an eye-catching presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair sweet and sour vegetables with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 0.5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C from the vegetables, as well as potassium and manganese from the pineapple and broccoli.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and cornstarch, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Sweet and sour vegetables is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sweet and sour vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy this dish as a main course or as a side dish for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Sweet and Sour Vegetables. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My mother had invited a distant relative over for dinner, and she brought along with her a dish that I had never tasted before.

As soon as I took my first bite of the Sweet and Sour Vegetables, I was hooked. The combination of tangy sweetness and savory flavors danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving for more. I begged my mother to ask our relative for the recipe, and she graciously obliged.

The recipe was simple yet flavorful, requiring a mix of fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and onions, along with a sweet and tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. The vegetables were stir-fried until they were tender-crisp, then tossed in the sauce until they were coated in a glossy glaze.

I made the Sweet and Sour Vegetables for my family the very next day, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my tastes, adding different vegetables and experimenting with the sauce to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

As I grew older, I continued to learn new recipes from different people and places. I collected recipes from neighbors, friends, and even strangers I met while traveling. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, reminding me of the memories associated with it.

One day, while visiting a bustling market in a nearby town, I stumbled upon a vendor selling a wide variety of fresh vegetables. I struck up a conversation with the vendor, who shared with me a recipe for Sweet and Sour Vegetables that was slightly different from the one I had learned as a young girl.

Intrigued by the vendor's recipe, I decided to give it a try. The addition of pineapple and bell peppers added a tropical sweetness to the dish, while the use of fresh ginger and garlic gave it a bold, aromatic flavor. I fell in love with this new version of Sweet and Sour Vegetables, and it quickly became a staple in my recipe collection.

Over the years, I have continued to experiment with different variations of the Sweet and Sour Vegetables recipe, adding my own twist to each version. Whether it's adding a splash of citrus juice for a tangy kick or tossing in some cashews for added crunch, I always strive to create a dish that is as unique and delicious as the memories that inspired it.

As I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of simmering vegetables and savory sauce, I am reminded of the countless recipes I have collected and cherished over the years. Each recipe tells a story, a tale of the people and places that have shaped my culinary journey.

And as I take a bite of the Sweet and Sour Vegetables that I have lovingly prepared, I am transported back to that first taste of the dish that captured my heart so many years ago. It is a reminder of the joy that cooking brings, the connections it creates, and the memories it preserves for generations to come.