Bring this easy meatless Southeast Asian stew to your table

March 9, 2021

Texas Catholic Herald

Batar Da’an, a squash, bean and corn stew from East Timor, is a meatless recipes highlighted by Catholic Relief Service’s Rice Bowl campaign. The Texas Catholic Herald continues an annual series that highlights meatless recipes from kitchens around the world during Lent. (Photo by Catholic Relief Services)

 

Batar Da’an: A Squash, Bean and Corn Stew from East Timor

Batar Da’an, or boiled corn in Tetum, the language of the southeast Asian country of East Timor, brings a delicious Timorese vegetable medley stew to your dining table.
Perfect over a bowl of rice, this dish is uses what’s already in your pantry, including that long-forgotten butternut squash that might be hiding in the back. The recipe also calls for 5 cloves of garlic, so garlic-lovers, this one’s for you!

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp fair trade olive oil
• 3 cups water
• 1 butternut squash, cut into small pieces
• 1 10-oz. bag frozen corn
• 1 15-oz. can red kidney beans, drained
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice

Method (Serves 4)

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender.
2. Add water and squash, and increase heat until water is simmering.
3. Add corn and kidney beans, reduce to medium heat, and cook stirring occasionally for 15 to 20 minutes until squash is tender. 
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve with rice.