Haitian Legume Delight: A Hearty Vegetable Stew
Dive into the vibrant and flavorful world of Haitian cuisine with this traditional vegetable stew, known as Legume. This dish combines tender beef, a bevy of fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices to create a comforting meal that's both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients
🥩 1.5 lbs beef, cubed
🍖 Optional: 0.5 lbs pork, cubed, not visually confirmed
🥒 2 chayote, peeled and chopped
🥬 1 head cabbage, chopped
🍆 2 eggplant, peeled and chopped
🌿 1 large bunch spinach, chopped
🥕 2 carrots, one whole for cooking, sliced for garnish
🌱 1 large bunch watercress, chopped
🍅 2 tomatoes, chopped
🌶️ 1 habanero pepper, whole
🧄 Several spoonfuls Haitian Seasoning Paste (Gip/Epi)
🧂 1 Maggi Bouillon Cube, brand: Maggi
🌶️ Sprinkled Cajun Seasoning
🧂 Sprinkled Ground Black Pepper
🌿 Thyme, integrated in the seasoning paste
🧂 Salt to taste
🌿 Cooking Oil, vegetable oil, generous amount
🍊 Small pour Vinegar or Sour Orange Juice
🥥 1 can coconut milk
🍅 Several spoonfuls tomato paste
🧈 2 pats butter
Instructions
1- Prepare Ingredients:
- Peel and chop all vegetables: chayote, eggplant, cabbage, spinach, watercress, and tomatoes.
- Keep one carrot whole and habanero pepper intact.
2- Marinate Meat:
- In a large pot, combine the cubed beef (and pork if using) with Haitian seasoning paste, a Maggi bouillon cube, Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper, cooking oil, and a small pour of vinegar or sour orange juice.
- Mix thoroughly.
3- Layer Vegetables:
- Place chopped chayote, eggplant, and cabbage over the seasoned meat.
- Add the whole carrot and habanero pepper.
4- Add Soft Vegetables & Liquids:
- Layer the watercress and spinach on top.
- Pour in some water and one can of coconut milk.
5- Initial Cook:
- Cover the pot with aluminum foil, then with a heavy lid.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low heat, and cook for 1 hour until vegetables soften.
6- Separate & Mash Vegetables:
- Remove the whole carrot and all cooked vegetables into a blue bowl.
- Mash using a wooden masher to a partly chunky consistency. Mix in Maggi powder.
7- Season Meat:
- Return the pot to the stove, add tomato paste, and stir for color and flavor enhancement.
8- Combine Stew:
- Mix the mashed vegetables back into the pot with the meat, adjusting salt and seasonings to taste.
9- Final Touches & Simmer:
- Add butter and more cooking oil.
- Reintroduce the habanero pepper and sliced carrots as garnish.
10- Final Simmer:
- Cover and let simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, ensuring a well-thickened consistency.
Prep Time: 30-45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: Not specified
Equipment: Large metal pot, e.g., heavy-bottomed Dutch oven; Plate for spices; Fork/Spatula; Blue plastic bowl; Wooden masher; Aluminum foil; Heavy pot lid; Knife; Spoon/Ladle
Cooking Tips
- Layer harder vegetables at the bottom for even cooking.
- Mash vegetables separately for optimal texture.
- Keep the habanero whole to manage spiciness.
- Garnish with sliced carrots for color and texture.
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