Vegetarian
Vinegar Pepper Mixed Vegetables
An original savory-sour in the style of a simple home braise Mixed Vegetables recipe adapted for Filipino ingredients, family portions and an ordinary home stove.
This original Sarap Recipe version of Vinegar Pepper Mixed Vegetables is designed for a regular Filipino family kitchen. It uses vinegar, garlic and peppercorns to make a savory-sour in the style of a simple home braise dish that works well with steamed rice.
Ingredients
- 700 g mixed pechay, carrots, sitaw and cauliflower
- 1/3 cup cane vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- Black pepper and salt, only as needed
How to cook it
- Cut firm vegetables smaller than leafy vegetables so they finish together.
- Measure and prepare every sauce ingredient before heating the pan. This keeps the aromatics from burning while you work.
- Combine water, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns. Add vinegar when the liquid simmers and leave it unstirred for the first 2 minutes.
- Add firm vegetables first and leafy vegetables last, keeping them bright and just tender.
- Cook uncovered near the end until the sharp vinegar aroma softens and the sauce lightly reduces.
- Taste the finished dish with rice before adjusting salt, soy sauce or fish sauce. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Why this method works
Preparing the sauce first gives the seasoning time to dissolve and prevents rushed measuring over a hot pan. Cooking the main ingredient separately from the final reduction protects its texture, while gradual seasoning accounts for differences between brands of soy sauce, patis and oyster sauce.
- Use a wide pan so moisture can evaporate instead of making the dish watery.
- For a less salty result, start with only three-fourths of the soy sauce or fish sauce and adjust at the end.
- Cool leftovers within two hours, refrigerate in a covered container and reheat until steaming.
How to serve
Serve hot with steamed rice. A side of sliced cucumber, tomatoes or blanched leafy vegetables balances the rich sauce. Offer calamansi and chili separately so each person can adjust the flavor.
Original recipe prepared for Sarap Recipe readers. Cooking time varies with ingredient size, cookware and stove heat.