Japanese-Inspired Tomato-Based Vegetable Stew
What Started it all:
Crushed tomatoes, onions, celery, beans,
This Japanese-inspired vegetable stew combines the rich flavors of crushed tomatoes with the umami of miso and soy sauce, creating a comforting and nutritious dish. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe serves 3 people.
Ingredients
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup mixed beans (such as kidney beans, black beans, or chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, dice the celery, and grate the ginger. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the celery is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the Beans: Add the mixed beans to the pot, stirring well to combine with the tomato mixture.
- Season and Simmer: Add the miso paste, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
This Japanese-inspired vegetable stew is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a nutritious and comforting meal. The combination of miso and soy sauce with crushed tomatoes creates a unique umami-rich broth that perfectly complements the vegetables and beans. Enjoy this stew on a cozy evening or as a hearty lunch.