KCB 5.19: Indonesian Vegetable Stew (Sayur Asam)

Indonesian Vegetable Stew (Sayur Asam)
Indonesian vegetable stews (Sayurs) are actually half-way between stews and soups. They are traditionally served with rice and a sambal (chili relish). This dish features four special Indonesian ingredients, all available at good Asian grocers: laos (Indonesian ginger), lime leaf, lemongrass, and coconut milk (santan). It also contains a Chinese green vegetable called buk choy.
PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes
COOKING TIME: 15 minutes
YIELD: Enough for 4 persons
2 small slices fresh laos (Indonesian ginger) or the common variety of fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) laos powder
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) ground coriander
1 fresh hot green chili, seeded and chopped
2 cups (500 ml) Chinese Vegetable Stock or water
1 tablespoon (20 ml) corn oil
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) yellow asafoetida powder
1/2 cup (125 ml) French stringless green beans, "topped and tailed" and cut into 5 cm (2-inch) lengths
1 lime leaf (substitute with bay leaf if unavailable)
1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) lemongrass flakes or powder
1/2 cup (125 ml) Chinese bok choy leaves, cut into thin strips
450 g (1 pound) zucchinis, cut into 2 1/2 cm (1-inch) wedges
1 cup (250 ml) coconut milk (santan)
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
1 teaspoon (5 ml) sugar
1. Place the laos or ginger, ground coriander, and chili in a blender. Add vegetable stock or water and blend. Empty into a bowl.
2. Fry the asafoetida and green beans in oil in a wok for 1 minute. Add the stock and spice mixture, lime leaf or bay leaf, and lemon grass and simmer covered for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the bokchoy and zucchini and cook covered for another 3 minutes or until the zucchini is tender. Add the coconut milk santan, salt, and sugar and simmer for another minute. Serve hot.
 

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