Vegetable Sauté Haitian-style

Haitian-Style Vegetable Sauté Recipe | Vegetarian Food from Haiti

Region / culture: Haiti | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetable Sauté Haitian-style is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines fresh spinach, red cabbage, and carrots with a flavorful blend of seasonings. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and add a burst of color to your plate.

History

This Haitian-style vegetable sauté recipe is inspired by traditional Haitian cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The combination of spinach, red cabbage, and carrots in this dish reflects the vibrant and diverse culinary heritage of Haiti.

Ingredients

3 cups of torn fresh spinach
1 cup of red cabbage, cut into 1-inch pieces
0.5 tsp of instant chicken bouillon granules
0.5 cup of coarsely shredded carrot (1 medium)
0.25 tsp of dried basil, crushed
0.5 tsp of sugar

How to prepare

In an 8-inch skillet, cook spinach in a small amount of boiling water until it wilts.
Remove the spinach to a serving plate.
In the same skillet, combine 3 tbsp of water, bouillon granules, sugar, and basil.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add cabbage and carrot to the skillet.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 3 minutes.
Serve immediately on top of the spinach.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Top with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts for added crunch.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the spinach until it wilts to ensure a tender and flavorful base for the sautéed vegetables.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more or less sugar, basil, and bouillon granules as desired.

- For a more intense flavor, you can sauté the vegetables in a bit of olive oil or butter instead of water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Vegetable Sauté Haitian-style as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as a light and healthy lunch on its own.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables over medium heat to ensure they cook evenly and retain their vibrant colors.

- Cover the skillet while simmering to help the vegetables cook through and absorb the flavors of the seasonings.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute purple cabbage for red cabbage for a similar texture and taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable sauté ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Vegetable Sauté Haitian-style in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. - Arrange the sautéed vegetables on a bed of cooked quinoa or rice for a more substantial meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the fresh flavors of the vegetables.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the vegetable sauté in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 12g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 150% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 10% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This Vegetable Sauté Haitian-style is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a great option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

Vegetable Sauté Haitian-style is a simple yet flavorful dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables. With a colorful mix of spinach, red cabbage, and carrots, this recipe is a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy this Haitian-inspired dish as a side or main course for a taste of the Caribbean at home.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Vegetable Sauté Haitian-style. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a friend who had recently returned from a trip to Haiti. She had brought back with her a wealth of knowledge and culture, including this amazing recipe that has since become one of my favorites.

As soon as she mentioned that she had learned how to make a traditional Haitian vegetable sauté, I knew I had to learn the recipe. My friend was kind enough to invite me over to her house the next day to show me how to make it. I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn about a new cuisine and add another delicious dish to my repertoire.

When I arrived at her house, my friend greeted me with a warm smile and a hug. She led me into her kitchen, where all the ingredients for the vegetable sauté were laid out on the counter. I could see colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a mix of spices that filled the room with an enticing aroma.

My friend began by chopping up the vegetables and explaining the importance of each ingredient in the dish. She told me that the key to a good Haitian vegetable sauté was using fresh, high-quality produce and allowing the flavors to meld together slowly over low heat.

As she cooked, I watched intently, taking mental notes of each step she took. She sautéed the onions and garlic until they were fragrant and golden brown, then added the bell peppers and tomatoes to the mix. The colors of the vegetables brightened the pan, and I could already tell that this dish was going to be a feast for the senses.

Next, my friend added a blend of spices that included turmeric, cumin, and paprika. The spices added a depth of flavor and complexity to the dish that I had never experienced before. I could hardly wait to taste the finished product.

After letting the vegetables simmer and soften, my friend plated the dish and handed me a fork. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The flavors were vibrant and bold, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

I thanked my friend profusely for teaching me how to make the Haitian vegetable sauté and promised to make it for my family as soon as I got home. She smiled and told me that she was happy to share a piece of her culture with me, and that food was a powerful way to connect people from different backgrounds.

As I drove home that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious vegetable sauté I had just learned how to make. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and introduce them to the flavors of Haiti.

When I got home, I immediately set to work in the kitchen, chopping, sautéing, and simmering the vegetables just as my friend had shown me. The smells that filled my kitchen were intoxicating, and I knew that this dish was going to be a hit.

When I finally plated the vegetable sauté and called my family to the table, their eyes lit up with excitement. They took their first bites and immediately started raving about how delicious it was. I sat back and watched as they devoured every last bite, feeling proud that I had learned how to make such a wonderful dish.

From that day on, the Haitian vegetable sauté became a regular part of our meal rotation. It was a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the importance of sharing recipes and traditions with one another. I have my friend to thank for introducing me to this amazing recipe, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.