Seychellois-Inspired Spiced Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

While the original Tunisian Houria is a spicy vegetable stew made with North African spices like cumin and coriander, the Seychellois-inspired version incorporates spices commonly used in Seychellois cuisine. The flavors are influenced by the Seychelles' diverse cultural heritage, including Indian, African, and French influences. The use of Seychellois spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric adds a unique twist to the dish, giving it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from the original Tunisian recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Houria, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cloves 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground turmeric 1 teaspoon (5g) ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 eggplant, diced 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 cup (200g) pumpkin, diced 1 cup (200g) pumpkin, diced
• 1 cup (150g) okra, trimmed and halved 1 cup (150g) okra, trimmed and halved
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Cook for a minute to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the diced eggplant, pumpkin, okra, and tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. 7.
   Serve the Seychellois-inspired spiced vegetable stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — To prevent the eggplant from becoming mushy, make sure to dice it into evenly sized pieces.
• Okra — Trim the okra and halve it lengthwise to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its texture.
• Pumpkin — Use a firm and ripe pumpkin for the stew to add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the stew just before serving.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or reducing the amount of spices used.
• Serve the stew with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to customize the stew to your liking.
• Make a larger batch of the stew and freeze the leftovers for a quick and convenient meal option.

Serving advice

Serve the Seychellois-inspired spiced vegetable stew in deep bowls, accompanied by a side of steamed rice or warm crusty bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange a few slices of fresh tomato and a sprig of cilantro on top of the stew. Serve it in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.