Haitian · Dinner · Medium
Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew)
0.0 (0 ratings)- Total
- 2 hr 40 min
- Prep
- 30 min
- Serves
- 6
- Calories
- 320
Eggplant and cabbage soften into a thick vegetable stew around tender beef, with thyme, garlic, and lime in the Haiti tradition.
Soft vegetables are the point of Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew): eggplant and cabbage collapse into a sauce that wraps around the beef. The mixture is mashed rather than left as separate chunks, giving this Haiti staple its substantial texture.
Give the beef a head start and cook the vegetables with only a little liquid. Their own moisture does most of the work, and an uncovered finish keeps the stew from turning into soup.
Method
Season the beef chuck with lime juice, garlic, scallions, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the beef for , working in two batches.
Add the onion and tomato paste and cook over medium heat for until the onion softens. Pour in the water, cover, and simmer over low heat for .
Layer the carrot, cabbage, and eggplant over the beef. Cover and cook over low heat for until the vegetables collapse and the beef is fork-tender and above 145°F.
Move the beef to a bowl. Roughly mash the vegetables in the pot, stir in the spinach, and return the beef. Simmer uncovered for until the spinach is tender and the stew is thick.
Let the pot stand off the heat for before serving. Stir from the bottom so the mashed vegetables and meat are evenly distributed.
Forkue tips
- Chayote is another common addition; replace half the eggplant with peeled, diced chayote if available.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly in a covered pan, stirring frequently; the mashed eggplant thickens when cold and can stick before it loosens.
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Kitchen gear
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Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew): FAQ
Should legim vegetables stay in chunks?
Most of the eggplant and cabbage should soften into a rough mash. The carrots can retain a little shape, but the finished stew is not meant to resemble a crisp vegetable saute.
Can I make legim without meat?
Yes. Omit the beef and its initial simmer, and cook the vegetables with the herb seasoning until soft. Reduce the water because there is no long meat braise to absorb it.
How do I store and reheat Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew)?
Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly in a covered pan, stirring frequently; the mashed eggplant thickens when cold and can stick before it loosens.
How long does Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew) take?
About 2 hr 40 min in total: 30 min prep and 2 hr 10 min cooking.
What do I need to make Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew)?
The key ingredients are beef chuck, eggplant, cabbage, carrot, spinach and onion, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew)?
Chayote is another common addition; replace half the eggplant with peeled, diced chayote if available.
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