Vegan Kare Kare Recipe – Stews are a staple dish in Filipino cuisine that come in a range of options and usually feature a protein. Kare kare is one of the different thick stews you can try in Filipino cuisine. ‘Kare’ is actually derived from the word curry and features a distinct bright color. This bright coloring is due to soaked annatto seeds, which give off a rich reddish hue. Another distinct feature of this stew is the rich and creamy flavoring from peanuts. The classic version of this dish features ox tail with vegetables but there are several variations of the dish. If you are someone who can’t eat meat, you can still enjoy this dish with this Vegan Kare Kare Recipe:
Vegan Kare Kare
Ingredients
- 1-2 fresh banana blossom buds canned banana blossom buds is an alternative
- 3 tbsp oil
- 4 garlic cloves peeled, crushed, and minced
- 1 yellow onion peeled and chopped
- 1 pinch salt add to taste
- 8 cups water
- 2 eggplants cut into one-inch slices
- 2 cups vegetable broth or more to taste
- 4½ tbsp achuete or annatto powder mixed and fully dissolved in 2 cups water
- 1 cup peanuts regular peanut butter is one alternative
- ½ cup white rice toasted rice flour is an alternative
- 1 small bunch long beans cut to 2-inch slice with ends removed
- 2 pieces dried snow fungus textured soy protein is an alternative
- 1 baby bok choy bundle bottom stalk cut off thoroughly washed
- 2 tbsp black bean sauce optional condiment
Instructions
- Peel the outer layers of the banana blossom until you reach the pale yellow, tender bud then discard the outer layers and yellow pistils.
- Before cutting the banana blossom, oil your knife and cutting board to prevent the sap from sticking. Cut off the stem and slice the bud in half lengthwise. Then cut them into chunks and immediately submerge the banana blossom in salt/lemon water.
- Dismantle layers and soak for at least 15 minutes then discard the soaking water before rinsing the cut buds.
- Toast and blend the peanuts with ¾ cup water until they’re smooth and creamy.
- Toast and ground the white rice into a powder and mix it in ¾ cup water. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture
- Remove the base from the dried snow fungus, cut them into big chunks, and soak them in warm water for 1-3 minutes.
- In a large pot, saute garlic with oil until fragrant. Once this happens, add the onions and sprinkle a few pinches of sea salt and saute until onions have turned soft and translucent.
- Add the banana blossom, eggplant, water, vegetable broth, and achuete mixture. Mix the ingredients well and cover the pot. Simmer the mixture until the eggplant and banana blossom are tender.
- Add in the peanut butter then pour the rice mixture while mixing the mixture in the pot. Keep mixing until the sauce gets smooth and creamy. Simmer for 10 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add more water one cup at a time until the consistency is creamy.
- Adjust seasoning by adding more vegetable broth or peanut butter to taste.
- Add long beans, snow fungus, and baby bok choy. Bring them to a boil and turn off the heat.
- Serve hot preferably with rice and for an optional condiment, have the black bean sauce mixed in 2 tablespoons of nori seaweed flakes/powder.
Additional Tips for a Vegan Kare Kare Recipe
If you want to make the rice powder, toast the rice over medium heat and stir it for about 15 minutes or until it turns light brown. When the rice is ready, pulverize using a food processor or high-speed blender. You can use the same method for the rice with the peanuts but add water to make the blend smooth and creamy. A strong blender or food processor is advisable. If you don’t have either, store-bought peanut butter is a good alternative. Just make sure that the ingredients are mostly peanuts and if possible have no sugar.
Check out even more Filipino dishes with our “Bicol Express Recipe” and “Eggplant Adobo Recipe.”
One Response
Very investing recipe, haven’t tried to cook banana blossom buds this way.
Will be trying out this soon!