Vegetable Stew

Authentic Chinese Vegetable Stew Recipe with Black Beans and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: China | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetable stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavorful seasonings, this stew is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you warm on a chilly day.

History

Vegetable stew has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to include a wide range of vegetables, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 bunches leeks, chopped
1 clove elephant garlic, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
3 large carrots, chopped
1.5 qt (1.42 liters) vegetable broth
1 (29 oz (822 g)) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz (425 g)) can black beans
0.5 head chinese cabbage, cored and shredded
4 large potatoes
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
0.25 tsp celery salt
1 dash ground cayenne pepper
2 bay leaves
grated parmesan cheese to taste

How to prepare

Add onions, leeks, and garlic to a pot coated with butter.
Add carrots, celery, tomato sauce, black beans, cabbage, and potatoes to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for approximately 0.5 hour.

Variations

Add protein such as tofu or chicken for an extra boost of protein.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the stew to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the stew, sauté the onions, leeks, and garlic in butter until they are caramelized.

- For a thicker stew, you can add a roux made from flour and butter to the pot before adding the broth.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the vegetable stew with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete and filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables in butter to enhance their flavor before adding the broth.

- Simmer the stew on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich and hearty dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.

- Swap out the vegetables in the stew for your favorites or whatever you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

The vegetable stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the vegetable stew with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh herbs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the vegetable stew with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the vegetable stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of vegetable stew contains approximately 250 calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

The vegetable stew is a great source of carbohydrates, with the potatoes, carrots, and beans providing a healthy dose of energy to fuel your day.

Fats

The butter in the stew adds a rich and creamy texture, while also providing essential fats that are necessary for overall health.

Proteins

The black beans in the stew are a good source of plant-based protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

The variety of vegetables in the stew provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, vegetable stew is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Vegetable stew is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Packed with a variety of vegetables and flavorful seasonings, this stew is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you warm on a chilly day.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Vegetable Stew. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage nestled in the countryside. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma wafting from her kitchen.

Margaret was a master in the culinary arts, and her dishes were always a delight to the senses. That day, she had a large pot simmering on the stove, filled with a colorful array of vegetables and herbs. The rich, earthy scent of the stew filled the air, making my mouth water with anticipation.

I watched in awe as Margaret chopped and sautéed the vegetables, adding a dash of this and a pinch of that with the precision of a seasoned chef. She explained that the key to a flavorful vegetable stew was in the quality of the ingredients and the slow, gentle cooking process that allowed the flavors to meld together.

As the stew bubbled away on the stove, Margaret shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The recipe had evolved over the years, with each cook adding their own twist to make it truly their own.

Margaret was kind enough to write down the recipe for me, along with some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that the stew turned out just right. I left her cottage that day with a warm heart and a piece of paper clutched in my hand, eager to recreate the delicious dish in my own kitchen.

Back at home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following Margaret's instructions to the letter. The comforting scent of the stew filled my kitchen, bringing back memories of that wonderful day spent with my friend.

As I stirred the pot and watched the vegetables soften and meld together, I felt a sense of connection to my own grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking and life. I thought about all the recipes she had passed down to me, each one a piece of her legacy that I cherished and held dear.

When the stew was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and sat down to savor the flavors. The vegetables were tender and flavorful, with a rich, savory broth that warmed me from the inside out. It was a dish that spoke of love and tradition, a taste of home that brought me comfort and joy.

Since that day, Vegetable Stew has become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I love to share with family and friends. Each time I make it, I think of Margaret and my grandmother, and the wonderful women who have inspired me to cook with passion and creativity.

I am grateful for the recipe that Margaret shared with me, and for the memories that it brings to mind. Cooking is more than just a chore or a task – it is a way to connect with our past, to honor those who came before us, and to create something beautiful and delicious to share with others.

And so, as I sit here enjoying a steaming bowl of Vegetable Stew, I am filled with gratitude for the women who have shaped me into the cook I am today. I raise my spoon in a silent toast to them, knowing that their love and wisdom will always be present in my kitchen, guiding me as I continue to explore the world of flavors and tastes that make cooking such a joyous and fulfilling experience.