Stewed vegetables, a culinary cornerstone across countless cultures, offer a comforting and nutritious meal that's surprisingly versatile. From humble beginnings as a way to preserve seasonal produce, stewing vegetables has evolved into a sophisticated art form, allowing chefs to highlight the natural sweetness and depth of flavor within each ingredient. This recipe focuses on a beloved Chinese-style vegetable stew, showcasing the unique textures and tastes of carefully selected ingredients, resulting in a dish that's both hearty and subtly elegant. The rich broth, infused with aromatic spices, perfectly complements the tender vegetables.
This authentic Chinese cabbage-based stewed vegetable recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated gathering. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the vegetables to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Ready to embark on a culinary journey? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Pan
- Pot
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Peppercorns: 1 tablespoon
- Thai garlic: 2 cloves
- Vegetable oil: a little bit
- Chinese cabbage: 700 grams
- Chinese kale: 1000 grams
- Radish: 800 grams (2 heads)
- Water: 3000 milliliters (3 liters)
- Pork stock cubes: 2 cubes
- Pork cartilage: 1000 grams (1 kg)
- Light soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
- White sugar: null
- Dark soy sauce: null
- Concentrated color: 1 spoonful
- Chives: a handful
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Sauté Vegetables
- Pound garlic and pepper together.
- Heat up a pan, add vegetable oil, then add the pounded garlic and pepper and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add Chinese cabbage and stir-fry.
- Add Chinese kale and stir-fry.
- Add radish and stir-fry.
Step 2. Create the Broth and Braise the Pork
- Put the pot on the stove and add water (3 liters).
- Add pork stock cubes (2 cubes).
- Wait for the water to boil, then add pork cartilage (1 kg).
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Season with light soy sauce (2 tbsp), oyster sauce (2 tbsp), seasoning powder (1 tsp), white sugar, dark soy sauce, and concentrated color (1 spoonful).
- Add the stir-fried vegetables to the pot.
- Boil using moderate heat until the pork is tender and vegetables are to your liking. Adjust heat as needed; start with high heat to bring to a boil, then reduce.
- Add chives for extra aroma.
- Continue stewing until done. Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Thai Mussel Pie Tee: Michelin-Starred Amuse-Bouche Recipe
Tips
- Stir-frying garlic and pepper first is crucial for a delicious, rich flavor.
- If vegetables are still green, they can be eaten as is. Otherwise, simmer for approximately 1 hour for maximum tenderness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cabbage instead of Chinese cabbage?
Yes, Napa cabbage or even regular green cabbage can be substituted, but the flavor profile might slightly differ. Chinese cabbage offers a sweeter and more delicate taste.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a small piece of fresh chili pepper during the initial sautéing stage. You can also increase the amount of Shaoxing rice wine for a subtle warmth.
3. What can I serve this stewed vegetable dish with?
It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a side dish to roasted meats. The rich broth is delicious on its own, too!
This fragrant and delicious stewed vegetable recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. The simple yet elegant preparation allows the natural sweetness of the vegetables to shine, creating a truly satisfying dish. Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of this authentic Chinese-inspired culinary delight!