Burmese Vegetable Ragu

Burmese Vegetable Ragu is a delicious and vibrant dish that brings together an array of fresh vegetables to create a harmonious blend of flavors. This ragu is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, with its colorful mix of eggplant, pumpkin, zucchini, tomatoes, and other fresh produce. This dish is seasoned with aromatic spices and sauces that enhance the natural sweetness and textures of the vegetables. Perfect for a light dinner or as a side to a larger meal, Burmese Vegetable Ragu can be adjusted to suit different tastes. The addition of fish or oyster sauce provides a unique depth of flavor, while soy sauce adds a savory touch. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; it can easily be adapted to include your favorite vegetables or to fit dietary needs. Enjoy the authentic taste of Burma in your kitchen with this simple yet satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250g Eggplant
250g Pumpkin
250g Zucchini
250g Tomatoes
250g Green peas or green beans
250g Chinese cabbage
3 cloves Garlic
1 Large onion

Spices and Sauces

1 tbsp Fish or oyster sauce
2 tbsp Cooking oil (preferably good quality for frying)
1.5 tsp Light soy sauce (dark soy sauce optional)
1 tsp Salt
Black pepper to taste
1 bunch of Green onions

Preparation Time

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by cutting the eggplant, pumpkins, zucchini, and Chinese cabbage into medium-sized pieces. Finely chop the garlic, onion, and green onions for a burst of flavor.
Heat the Oil: In a wok or deep pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions, and green onions, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Sauces and Spices: Stir in the fish or oyster sauce and soy sauce. Let these flavors blend briefly before adding the vegetables.
Cook the Vegetables: Incorporate all the vegetables except the tomatoes into the pan. Cook while stirring frequently until they are almost tender. Add salt and black pepper to enhance the taste.
Finish with Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until all the vegetables have softened to your preference. For a varied texture, some might prefer the vegetables slightly firm.
Serve Immediately: This ragu is best served fresh. For a traditional touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on individual servings.
Optional Flavor Twist: Incorporate freshly grated ginger in step 3 for added aroma and spiciness.

Tips

Oil Selection: Use a high-quality oil suitable for frying to prevent the vegetables from becoming greasy.
Texture Preference: Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred vegetable texture.
Garnishing: Top with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for added freshness.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 200 per serving
Protein: 6g
Fats: 10g
Carbs: 20g

Variations

Vegan: Replace the fish sauce with a vegan alternative or additional soy sauce.
Spicy: Add chili flakes or fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
Low-Sodium: Adjust the amount of soy sauce to manage sodium intake.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Use it as a filling for wraps or tacos for a creative twist.
Serve alongside a simple grilled fish or chicken for a balanced meal.

Best Places

Rangoon Tea House - A modern take on traditional Burmese cuisine. Location: 77-79 Pansodan Street, Yangon, Myanmar.
Sister’s Snack Cafe - Known for its vibrant vegetable dishes. Location: 495/1 Kamkhuang Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Burma Superstar - Offers a delightful variety of Burmese dishes. Location: 4721 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, USA.
Bogyoke Market Cafe - Famous for its authentic Burmese flavors. Location: Bogyoke Aung San Road, Yangon, Myanmar.
Burmese Kitchen - A cozy spot great for enjoying Burmese ragu. Location: 452 Larkin St, San Francisco, USA.
Nilar Township - Offers delicious regional recipes. Location: Upper 12th Street, Mandalay, Myanmar.
Mandalay Restaurant - Known for its diverse menu. Location: 930 Bonifant St, Silver Spring, USA.
Feel Myanmar Food - Widely celebrated for its rich curries. Location: Pyay Road, Yangon, Myanmar.
Mango - A trendy spot with vibrant Burmese dishes. Location: 1661 Market St, Denver, USA.
Aunty Sue’s - Excellent for classic home-style meals. Location: 526 Lim Tian Shiah St, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.