Legume Haitien (Haitian Vegetable Stew)
A vibrant and nutritious vegetable stew, 'Legume' is a staple in Haitian households, often served alongside rice and meat dishes. It's a hearty mix of various vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, sometimes enriched with a touch of meat or smoked herring.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1/2 medium head Cabbage(shredded)
- 1 medium Eggplant(cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(sliced)
- 200 g Green beans(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 200 g Spinach or other greens(chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 4 cups Water or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 piece Smoked herring or small piece of smoked meat (optional)(for added flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil or lard in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it darkens slightly.
- 3
Add the shredded cabbage, cubed eggplant, sliced carrots, and green beans to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the onion and tomato mixture.
- 4
Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Be cautious with salt if using smoked herring. - 5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 6
Add the chopped spinach or other greens to the pot. Stir them in and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the greens are wilted and tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the stew is too thin, you can mash some of the vegetables against the side of the pot or simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
- 8
Serve hot, usually as a side dish with rice (white rice or riz collé) and a protein like chicken, fish, or beef.
💡 Tip: Legume is often even better the next day as the flavors meld.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Feel free to add other vegetables like chayote squash, potatoes, or malanga.
- ✓For a vegetarian/vegan version, omit the optional smoked herring or meat and use vegetable broth.
- ✓The consistency can be adjusted by adding more liquid for a soupier stew or simmering longer for a thicker one.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm spice note.
- Some recipes include a small amount of ground cloves for depth of flavor.
- A tablespoon of peanut butter can be stirred in towards the end for a richer, creamier texture (less common but a variation).