Stewed Cats Ear With Mixed Vegetables Recipe

Ever wondered what pure comfort in a bowl tastes like? Let me take you on a flavor journey with my stewed cat’s ear and mixed vegetables recipe that’s as vibrant as it is delicious!

I savor making stews with cat’s ear leaves and colorful vegetables. Combining the tender leaves with finely diced onion, sweet carrot, and aromatic garlic not only elevates flavor but also amps up the nutrition.

My favorite part, though, is the broth, which is rich with soy sauce and thyme (cat’s ear leaves are sonorous enough that they could double as musical instruments),

Stewed Cats Ear With Mixed Vegetables Recipe Ingredients

• Cat’s ear leaves: Rich in vitamins A and C; provides fiber; supports digestion.
• Olive oil: Healthy fats; adds a rich flavor; supports heart health.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity; adds aromatic flavor; contains antioxidants.
• Carrot: High in beta-carotene; supports vision and immune health.
• Bell pepper: Rich in vitamin C; provides a sweet, crisp flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes: Adds juiciness; rich in lycopene and antioxidants.
• Vegetable broth: Provides savory depth; low in calories.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness; high in vitamin C; enhances flavor.

Stewed Cats Ear With Mixed Vegetables Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound of cat’s ear leaves, washed and dried
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium-sized onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make this Stewed Cats Ear With Mixed Vegetables Recipe

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Dice the onion and add it to the pot. Sauté the onion until it is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Blend in the chopped garlic and continue cooking for one more minute, or until it’s very fragrant.

3. Place the sliced carrot and the diced bell pepper in the pot. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, letting them become soft.

4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced zucchini. Stir the mixture well.

5. Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Combine the soy sauce and dried thyme by stirring them together. Then, taste the mixture and, if it needs it, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. Carefully mix in the leaves of the cat’s ear so that they are completely submerged in the broth. Put the lid on the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

8. Take off the lid, and incorporate the lemon juice to bring out the flavor.

9. If you need to, add extra salt and pepper to the seasoning to make it right.

10. Heat until hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy your stewed cat’s ear with mixed vegetables.

Stewed Cats Ear With Mixed Vegetables Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot with lid
2. Measuring spoons
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Measuring cups

FAQ

• What are cat’s ear leaves?Leaves of the cat’s ear plant come from a flowering plant that’s often found in lawns and similar habitats. They have a slightly bitter flavor and can be mixed into salads or salsas or used as cooked greens. The same might be said, with some variations as to flavor, for common sow thistle, false dandelion, and other plants that are sometimes in the same notorious weedy category.
• Can I substitute cat’s ear leaves with another green?Certainly! If cat’s ear leaves are not available, you can use dandelion greens, kale, or spinach as substitutes.
• Is this recipe vegan?This recipe is indeed vegan because none of the ingredients are from animals.
• Can I add protein to this dish?You can certainly add chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh for a protein boost.
• How do I adjust the flavor?To enhance the flavor, spices such as cumin or paprika may be included, or a dash of hot sauce added, for heat.
• How can I thicken the stew?To make the stew thicker, you can mash some of the veggies or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
• What can I serve with this stew?This stew goes well with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa to make it a more filling meal.

Stewed Cats Ear With Mixed Vegetables Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute avocado oil or coconut oil for olive oil.
Substitute butternut squash or sweet potato for carrot.
Substitute with poblano or Anaheim pepper.

Replace 1 large bell pepper with either 1 large poblano pepper or 1 large Anaheim pepper.
Substitute grape tomatoes for cherry tomatoes.
Replace zucchini with yellow squash or eggplant.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-cook the Cat’s Ear Leaves Before adding the cat’s ear leaves to the pot, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This helps to soften them and can reduce any bitterness, enhancing the final flavor of the dish.

2. Layering Flavors Consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onion and garlic, allowing it to reduce before adding the rest of the vegetables. This adds depth and complexity to the stew.

3. Enhance Umami For an extra burst of umami, add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a dash of miso paste when you add the vegetable broth. This will enrich the savory flavor profile of the stew.

4. Consistency Control If you prefer a thicker consistency, create a slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and add it during the final simmer. Stir well to avoid any lumps.

5. Herb Variation Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro as a garnish instead of or in addition to parsley. This can brighten the flavors and complement the lemon juice beautifully.