monksandbones: A photo of the top of a purple kohlrabi, with a backlit green leaf growing from it (veggie love now with more kohlrabi)
monksandbones ([personal profile] monksandbones) wrote in [community profile] cookbook_challenge2022-05-01 06:51 pm

Broccoli, Fennel, and Chickpea Stew

This recipe has been lurking in my recipe bookmarks folder for a couple of years, and it presented itself to me when I was poking the folder in search of something to cook this week. I still had some orzo left from my last semi-disastrous attempt at a one-pot dish involving orzo, so I thought that I'd use some of it up and give the recipe a try.

You can find the recipe here, from Meera Sodha at the Guardian: Meera Sodha's vegan recipe for broccoli, fennel, and chickpea stew.

I followed the recipe pretty closely (some of my cooking times were longer than suggested, and my prep time was MUCH longer). I substituted a shallot, which I had, for an onion, which I didn't have. I used a shake of red pepper flakes for the green chili pepper, and I replaced the wine with all broth, plus the juice of one lemon. It turned out pretty well! Straight out of the pot the flavours weren't that strong, and I definitely undersalted it, but it had a pleasant sweetness from the fennel and I enjoyed it! I also think it's a dish that will improve as leftovers, to be confirmed at lunch tomorrow.

I can see how the wine would give the recipe more flavour, if you had some and could be bothered, and it might also be good with more lemon juice than I used, if you have a digestive system that can tolerate that. I'll note that although it's a vegan recipe, a little parmesan cheese sprinkled on top was a nice addition, and if you weren't vegetarian or vegan, you could probably rework the whole thing a little to incorporate some fennel sausage or something like that.
caramarie: Icon of a magpie perched against a backdrop of the stars. (Default)

[personal profile] caramarie 2022-05-02 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
I might have to try this, while fennel's in the shop!
yuuago: (Cookie monster - Thinking)

[personal profile] yuuago 2022-05-02 01:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Man, this sounds delicious.

If I make it I'll definitely end up adding some parm - that sounds like a great idea.
adastrad: (content)

[personal profile] adastrad 2022-05-03 05:46 am (UTC)(link)
The picture on the recipe page looks divine. I'd like to try this one too. Also good to know about subbing in broth for wine. What wine ends up in our house gets designated for my grandmother's personal use, lol.