Legim (Haitian Vegetable Stew)
In short: Haitian vegetable stew of eggplant, cabbage, chayote and carrots simmered with beef and an herb paste until thick and spoonable, served over rice. It takes about 2 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 2 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 210 kcal
Legim is the Haitian vegetable stew that makes use of whatever is in season: eggplant, cabbage, chayote, carrots and leafy greens cooked down with beef until the vegetables almost melt together. A seasoning paste of garlic, scallions, parsley and thyme gives it depth. It is a practical weekday dish, served over rice or with beans, and it tastes even better the next day.
Instructions
- Blend the scallions, garlic, parsley, thyme, lime juice and salt to a paste. Toss with the beef and leave for 30 minutes or longer.
- Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the beef in two batches for 5 minutes each. Add the onion and tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the water, cover and simmer for 40 minutes, until the beef is almost tender.
- Add the carrots, chayote and cabbage and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the eggplant and the whole scotch bonnet.
- Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft. Press some of the eggplant and chayote against the side of the pot with a spoon to thicken the stew.
- Stir in the spinach and black pepper and cook for 3 minutes until wilted. Remove the scotch bonnet without breaking it, taste for salt and serve over rice.
Tips
- For a vegetarian legim, skip the beef, brown the vegetables in extra oil and add a cup of cooked beans. Use 500 ml (2 cups) of water, since vegetables release liquid.
- Chayote is sold in Latin and Caribbean markets. Zucchini or green papaya can stand in, but add them in the last 10 minutes.
Questions and answers
Can I make legim ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 4 days in the fridge and the flavor improves overnight. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
What vegetables go in legim?
Eggplant, cabbage, chayote and carrots are common, along with spinach, watercress, green beans or pumpkin. Cooks use what is available and mash some of it into the sauce.
Is legim spicy?
Only lightly. The scotch bonnet goes in whole for aroma, and the stew is served with pikliz or hot sauce for those who want heat.
How long does it take to make Legim (Haitian Vegetable Stew)?
About 2 h in total: 30 min of preparation and 1 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Legim (Haitian Vegetable Stew)?
About 210 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 14 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 210 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
