Lunar Bean Stew
A silky coconut milk-based stew with smoked tofu, sweet potatoes, and lemongrass, inspired by moonlit nights. This thai-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Coconut milk, cubed Sweet potatoes, block cubed Smoked tofu for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Coconut milk
- 1.5 lbs cubed Sweet potatoes
- 1 block cubed Smoked tofu
- 2 stalks minced Lemongrass
- 3 cloves minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp grated Ginger
- 2 medium diced Tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Brown sugar
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and tofu. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 3: Pour in coconut milk and fish sauce, bring to a simmer. Add brown sugar, stir until dissolved.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and stew has thickened slightly.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce or sugar if needed. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lunar Bean Stew take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lunar Bean Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lunar Bean Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lunar Bean Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Lunar Bean Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 35-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
