Samlor Kak Ko
Cambodian Vegetable Stew
A hearty and nutritious Cambodian vegetable stew featuring a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, often enriched with coconut milk and a unique toasted rice powder for thickening and flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 medium Eggplant(cut into bite-sized chunks)
- 2 cups Pumpkin or squash(peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes)
- 1 cup Green beans(trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 5 oz Spinach or other leafy greens(chopped)
- 1 cup Coconut milk
- 4 cups Water or vegetable broth
- 1 stalk Lemongrass(bottom 4 inches, bruised and roughly chopped)
- 1 inch piece Galangal(peeled and thinly sliced)
- 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric(ground (or 1/2 inch fresh root, peeled and sliced))
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 leaves Kaffir lime leaves(torn)
- 2 tablespoons Roasted rice powder(for thickening (see instructions))
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce(or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Palm sugar or brown sugar(or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the roasted rice powder: Toast 2 tablespoons of white rice in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool, then grind into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- 2
In a blender, combine coconut milk, water, chopped lemongrass, sliced galangal, turmeric, minced garlic, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Blend until smooth.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the eggplant and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Pour the blended coconut milk mixture into the pot. Add the pumpkin and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender.
- 5
Add the green beans and tomatoes to the pot. Cook for another 10 minutes.
- 6
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
- 7
Stir in the roasted rice powder, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Simmer for a few more minutes until the stew has thickened slightly.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, usually with rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other vegetables like long beans, okra, or taro stems.
- ✓For a richer flavor, some recipes include pork or fish paste (prahok).
- ✓Ensure the roasted rice powder is finely ground for best thickening.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a protein like chicken, pork, or fish.
- Use different types of leafy greens like water spinach or mustard greens.