Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of suan cai (Chinese pickled cabbage)
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 1 cup of chopped potatoes
- 1 cup of chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup of chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup of chopped mushrooms
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and suan cai and stir to combine.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the stew to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing
- Low heat for simmering
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of pickled cabbage can be used instead of suan cai.
- Any type of vegetable broth can be used instead of homemade.
Variations:
- Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
- Add noodles or rice for a heartier meal.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicier flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the suan cai before using to remove excess salt.
- Cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the stew to prevent the vegetables from breaking apart.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl with a side of crusty bread.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the stew is too thick, add more vegetable broth to thin it out.
- If the stew is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all vegetables before using.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Suan cai is a traditional Chinese ingredient that has been used for centuries in various dishes.
Flavor profiles:
- Tangy, savory, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Chinese