Timorese Batar Da’an (Pumpkin, Corn, and Mung Bean Stew)

Batar da’an is a comforting Timorese stew that brings together pumpkin, corn, mung beans, tomatoes, and leafy greens in one nourishing pot.

The mung beans simmer until creamy while the pumpkin stays in tender chunks, giving the stew both body and contrast.

Add the greens near the end so they stay bright and the pumpkin pieces do not dissolve completely into the broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stew hot in deep bowls with rice or crusty gluten-free flatbread and a squeeze of lime.

Recipe Notes

Soak the mung beans ahead for faster cooking. The stew thickens as it rests, so loosen leftovers with a little water when reheating.

Timorese Batar Da’an (Pumpkin, Corn, and Mung Bean Stew)

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A hearty Timorese vegetable stew of pumpkin, corn, mung beans, tomatoes, and greens.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Timorese

Calories: 330

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x?

Stew base

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
• 2 medium tomatoes chopped
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup dried mung beans rinsed and soaked

Vegetables

• 1 pound pumpkin or butternut squash peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 large corn cobs kernels cut off
• 2 cups chopped leafy greens collards, kale, or spinach
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

• Heavy saucepan
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Method

 

Start the beans:

1. Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan. Cook the onion until soft, then add the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down.

Simmer the mung beans:

1. Add the stock and soaked mung beans. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, until the beans are beginning to soften.

Add the vegetables:

1. Stir in the pumpkin, corn, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender but still holds its shape.

Finish and serve:

1. Fold in the greens and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Taste for seasoning, scatter over the cilantro, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 14gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 720mgFiber: 12gSugar: 11g

Notes

• Use a firm pumpkin or squash so the chunks remain distinct in the finished stew.
• For a thicker stew, mash a few pumpkin pieces into the broth before adding the greens.