Recipe Lodeh Vegetables

Lodeh Vegetables is a traditional Indonesian dish, a flavorful and aromatic vegetable stew in coconut milk. It's a comforting dish that is both nutritious and delicious. Here’s a detailed recipe, including ingredients, instructions, tips, variations, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

• Vegetables:

  • 1 medium eggplant, chopped
  • 100 grams of green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced
  • 100 grams of cabbage, chopped
  • 1 medium chayote, peeled and diced
  • 1 corn on the cob, cut into pieces
  • 100 grams of young jackfruit, cubed

• Others:

  • 200 ml coconut milk
  • 500 ml water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 piece of galangal, bruised
  • 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Sugar to taste

• Spice Paste:

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 6 shallots
  • 3 red chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 2 candlenuts (or substitute with macadamia nuts)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional for vegetarian version, omit or substitute with 1 teaspoon soy sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend or grind garlic, shallots, red chilies, candlenuts, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, and shrimp paste until smooth.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Add bay leaves, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Sauté for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.

4. Add Vegetables:

   • Add the eggplant, green beans, carrot, cabbage, chayote, corn, and young jackfruit. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spice paste.

5. Simmer:

   • Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

6. Add Coconut Milk:

   • Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently. Add salt and sugar to taste. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously to prevent the coconut milk from separating.

7. Serve:

   • Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips

• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds.
• Vegetable Variations: You can use other vegetables like spinach, pumpkin, or long beans based on availability and preference.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of water or let it simmer longer. For a thinner soup, add more water.
• Vegan Option: Ensure the shrimp paste is omitted or replaced with soy sauce to keep the dish vegan.

Variations

• Meat Addition: For a non-vegetarian version, you can add pieces of chicken or shrimp. Cook them with the spice paste before adding the vegetables.
• Spicy Version: Add more chilies or a spoonful of sambal (Indonesian chili paste) for extra heat.
• Tempeh or Tofu: Add fried tempeh or tofu for extra protein.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25 grams
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Sugar: 6 grams

Conclusion

Lodeh Vegetables is a versatile and nutritious dish that brings the rich flavors of Indonesia to your table. It is a perfect choice for a hearty and healthy meal, suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. By using a variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, you can create a delightful dish that is both satisfying and beneficial for your health. Enjoy Lodeh Vegetables as part of a balanced diet, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spice levels to suit your taste.