Hmong-Inspired Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

While Dinengdeng is a traditional Filipino vegetable stew, this Hmong-inspired version incorporates distinct flavors and ingredients from Hmong cuisine. The use of lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce adds a unique twist to the dish, infusing it with the aromatic and savory elements commonly found in Hmong cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Dinengdeng, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bitter melon, seeds removed and sliced 1 bitter melon, seeds removed and sliced
• 1 small squash, peeled and cubed 1 small squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, sliced 1 cup (150g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium tomato, diced 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the bruised lemongrass stalk, ginger slices, and minced garlic to the pot. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the bitter melon, squash, green beans, mushrooms, and tomato to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the fish sauce and season with salt to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove the lemongrass stalk before serving.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bitter Melon — To reduce the bitterness, soak the sliced bitter melon in salted water for 10 minutes before adding it to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier stew, add a small amount of chili pepper or chili flakes.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
• For a heartier version, add tofu or cooked chicken to the stew.
• Serve the stew with steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Hmong-inspired vegetable stew hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of stew with a sprig of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. The vibrant hues of the vegetables will make the dish visually appealing.