Senegalese Vegetable Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard
A vibrant vegetarian take on the classic Yassa, featuring caramelized onions and tangy mustard sauce over sautéed mixed vegetables. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs large yellow onions, thinly sliced, medium green bell pepper, sliced, medium carrots, julienned for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 medium eggplant, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 large thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté slowly for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup lemon juice, mixing well.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, 2 julienned carrots, and 1 medium diced eggplant (1-inch cubes). Sauté in 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup vegetable broth, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving over steamed rice or couscous.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Senegalese Vegetable Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Senegalese Vegetable Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard?
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 medium carrots, julienned from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Senegalese Vegetable Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard?
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 Senegalese Vegetable Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Senegalese Vegetable Yassa with Caramelized Onions and Mustard 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.
