Delicious Vietnamese Braised Taro with Pepper – Easy Recipe

Braised taro with pepper is a rustic dish, rich in traditional Vietnamese flavors. The combination of the sweet and starchy taro with the spicy kick of pepper creates an enticing dish, perfect for cozy family meals. Let’s explore how to make this flavorful braised taro with pepper through the following guide.

Ingredients Needed

To make delicious braised taro with pepper, you will need the following ingredients:

• Taro: 500g (choose tubers with large eyes and rough skin)
• Green onions: 2 stalks
• Fresh chili: 1 pepper (adjust to taste)
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Shallot: 1 bulb
• Green peppercorns: 1 stalk (or substitute with ground pepper)
• Seasonings: fish sauce, sugar, salt, cooking oil

Taro ingredients

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Taro: Peel, wash, and cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3cm). Soak the taro in diluted salt water for about 15 minutes to remove sap and reduce itchiness.
• Green onions: Wash and finely chop.
• Chili: Wash and slice thinly.
• Garlic and shallot: Peel and mince.
• Green peppercorns: Wash and crush, or use ground pepper.

Step 2: Lightly Fry the Taro

• Heat cooking oil in a pan, add taro, and lightly fry until evenly golden. This step helps the taro maintain its shape and enhances its color.
• Remove the taro and let it drain.

Fried taro pieces

Step 3: Prepare the Braising Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix together:
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper (or crushed green peppercorns)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon MSG (optional)

Step 4: Braising Process

• Sauté minced shallot and garlic in a pot with a little cooking oil until fragrant.
• Add the lightly fried taro to the pot, gently stir to coat with the seasonings.
• Pour the braising sauce into the pot, add ½ cup of water to just cover the taro.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Turn off the heat when the taro is soft and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Finishing and Presentation

• Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Sprinkle green onions, fresh chili, and green peppercorns on top.
• Turn off the heat and enjoy the braised taro with pepper with hot steamed rice.

Finished braised taro with pepper

Tips to Make Braised Taro with Pepper More Appealing

• Choose quality taro: Opt for waxy taro as it is starchy, chewy, and less likely to break apart when cooked.
• Lightly fry the taro: This crucial step helps the taro retain its shape and enhances its flavor.
• Adjust seasoning flexibly: Modify the seasonings according to your family’s taste.
• Add coconut caramel: To give the dish an appealing color and richer flavor, you can add a bit of coconut caramel during braising.

“Braised taro with pepper is a versatile dish that can be combined with other ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or various vegetables. This adds diversity and nutritional value to the meal.” – Mrs. Le Thi Mai, Family Culinary Expert.

Variations with Vegetarian Braised Taro with Pepper

Vegetarians can make a vegetarian version of braised taro with pepper by replacing fish sauce with soy sauce or other vegetarian seasonings. You can also add tofu, shiitake mushrooms, or straw mushrooms to increase the nutritional value.

What to Serve with Braised Taro with Pepper?

Braised taro with pepper pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, bread, or boiled vegetables. This dish is especially delightful on chilly days.

Conclusion

Braised taro with pepper is a simple yet flavorful dish, embodying the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. With the detailed recipe and helpful tips shared, we hope you feel confident to cook this dish for your family. Experiment and get creative to make it even more unique!

Are you ready to get cooking? Wishing you success!

References

• “Vietnamese Culinary Guide” – Ethnic Culture Publishing House
• “Family Cooking Secrets” – Author Nguyen Thi Hoa
• Guidance from culinary experts at traditional Vietnamese restaurants.