Delicious and Nutritious Water Spinach Braised with Peanuts Recipe

Do you ever reminisce about family meals featuring the flavorful dish of water spinach braised with peanuts? The sweet taste of water spinach combined with the nutty flavor of roasted peanuts creates a simple yet irresistible dish. Today, Sổ Tay Món Ăn will guide you through the process of making this authentic and easy-to-prepare water spinach braised with peanuts at home.

Ingredients for Delicious Water Spinach Braised with Peanuts

Choosing the right ingredients is crucial for making a perfect water spinach braised with peanuts dish. Here’s a list of the necessary ingredients:

• Water spinach: 500g (choose young, small-stemmed, and fresh green leaves).
• Peanuts: 100g (can be store-bought or homemade roasted).
• Garlic: 3 cloves.
• Chili: 1 pepper (adjust to taste).
• Seasonings: Fish sauce, sugar, salt, cooking oil, pepper, and MSG (optional).

Water spinach and peanuts ready for cooking

Tip for choosing fresh water spinach: It’s best to buy water spinach in the morning when it’s freshest. Choose bunches with small stems, vibrant green color, and no signs of pests or yellowing to ensure crispness and natural sweetness.

Steps to Make Water Spinach Braised with Peanuts

1. Preparing the Ingredients

• Water spinach: Remove old leaves, wash thoroughly, and soak in lightly salted water for about 15 minutes to remove dirt. Drain well.
• Peanuts: If using raw peanuts, roast them over low heat until evenly golden, then lightly crush them.
• Garlic and chili: Peel and mince the garlic; wash and thinly slice the chili.

2. Marinating the Water Spinach

Place the water spinach in a large bowl, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of MSG (if desired), and a pinch of pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. Braising the Water Spinach

• Place a pot on the stove and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
• Add the marinated water spinach to the pot and stir-fry for a few minutes.
• Add about 1/2 cup of water to the pot (adjust the amount based on the moisture content of the spinach).
• Cover the pot tightly, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the spinach is tender and well-seasoned.
• Finally, add the crushed roasted peanuts to the pot and gently stir. Adjust the seasoning to taste before turning off the heat.

Braising water spinach with peanuts in a pot

Note: To maintain the vibrant green color of the water spinach, you can add a small pinch of baking soda during the braising process. Always cook on low heat and keep the pot covered to prevent the spinach from turning dark.

Secrets to Making Irresistibly Delicious Water Spinach Braised with Peanuts

• Use high-quality fish sauce: This is key to enhancing the flavor of the dish.
• Roast peanuts thoroughly: Peanuts should be roasted at a low temperature to ensure crispiness and a distinctive aroma.
• Balance the seasonings: Adjust the amounts of sugar, salt, and pepper according to your family’s taste preferences.
• Add a touch of chili heat: If you enjoy spicy food, don’t forget to add some minced chili to enhance the flavor.

“Water spinach braised with peanuts is a dish that evokes childhood memories for many Vietnamese people. It not only feels familiar but is also nutritious,” – Culinary expert Nguyễn Thị Lan shares.

Enjoying Water Spinach Braised with Peanuts

Water spinach braised with peanuts is best enjoyed hot with steamed rice. You can also pair it with fried tofu or spring rolls to add variety to your meal.

A plate of water spinach braised with peanuts served with rice

“This is an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy vegetarian dish. The combination of water spinach and peanuts is not only delicious but also provides ample protein and vitamins,” – Nutritionist Trần Văn Nam comments.

Health Benefits of Water Spinach Braised with Peanuts

In addition to its delicious taste, water spinach braised with peanuts offers numerous nutritional benefits:

• Water spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and minerals like iron and calcium, it’s good for the immune system and digestion.
• Peanuts: A source of plant-based protein and unsaturated fats, they help maintain energy and improve heart health.

“Pregnant women should include water spinach in their daily diet as it contains folate – a crucial nutrient for the brain development of the fetus,” – Obstetrician Lê Thị Mai.

Conclusion

With this detailed recipe, you can easily prepare a delicious and nutritious water spinach braised with peanuts dish at home. Take the time to cook and create warm family meals. Don’t forget to share your experience with us!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q: How long should I braise the water spinach to achieve the best taste?
  • A: About 15-20 minutes, depending on the desired tenderness of the spinach.
• Q: Is sugar necessary when braising water spinach?
  • A: Sugar helps balance the flavors, but you can adjust it according to your personal taste.
• Q: What dishes pair well with water spinach braised with peanuts?
  • A: It pairs best with steamed rice and can be complemented with fried tofu or spring rolls.
• Q: How long can water spinach braised with peanuts be stored?
  • A: It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

We hope this article helps you successfully make water spinach braised with peanuts!