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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
