Braised Vegetable Stew with Panch Phoran

A well-rounded dish perfect for all seasons and palettes. The trick is to use an array of firm vegetables: carrots, cabbage, eggplant, potatoes, daikons, sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, parsnips, pumpkins, turnips, etc. Get as many colors into the dish as you can and cook the vegetables slowly.
Ingredients
- 8 cups vegetables of your choice
- 4 Tbsp Panch Phoran
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh hot chiles, chopped
- 1 tsp Black Pepper, ground
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Turmeric, ground
- 2 tsp sugar
Method
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1
Slice the vegetables into ½ -inch cubes. Set aside.
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2
In a large, heavy pan over medium heat, caramelize the Panch Phoran in the oil (10-15 seconds).
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3
Add the chile, bay leaves, salt, pepper, turmeric, and the ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
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4
Add the vegetables. Mix well.
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5
Cook uncovered until water is released from the vegetables. Cover, reduce to low heat and let simmer.
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6
With a wooden spoon, stir every so often, allowing the vegetables to stew slowly (30-45 minutes). Remove the cover toward the end of the cooking time to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Incorporate the sugar 5 minutes before you finish cooking.
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7
Let cool before serving.