Lao Ratatouille Stew

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 eggplant, cut into cubes 1 eggplant, cut into cubes
• 2 zucchini, sliced 2 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fish sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) oyster sauce 1 teaspoon (5ml) oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Lao chili paste 1 teaspoon (5ml) Lao chili paste
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) sugar 1 teaspoon (5ml) sugar
• 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): 24g, 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 7g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Lao chili paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Lao Ratatouille Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggplant — To prevent the eggplant from becoming mushy, make sure to cut it into evenly sized cubes.
• Lao chili paste — Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier stew, you can add cooked chicken or tofu.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Lao Ratatouille Stew in individual bowls, accompanied by steamed rice or crusty bread. The stew can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or on a colorful plate to showcase the vibrant vegetables.