Batar Da’an (Timorese Sweet Corn, Mung Bean & Pumpkin Coconut Braise) – Authentic Timor-Leste Recipe
Timor-Leste’s most beloved everyday national dish uniting sweet corn, pumpkin, and tender beans.
- Country of Origin
- 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste (Southeast Asia, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- vegan
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Sweet corn kernels, Green mung beans or kidney beans, Cubed sweet pumpkin and spinach, Coconut oil/milk, Garlic
Ingredients for Batar Da’an (Timorese Sweet Corn, Mung Bean & Pumpkin Coconut Braise) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) sweet corn kernels, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups green mung beans or kidney beans, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cubed sweet pumpkin and spinach
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with coconut oil/milk
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Timor-Leste seasoning (garlic, shallots, fresh basil, black pepper)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown sweet corn kernels for 5 minutes.
- Add minced onion, garlic, coconut oil/milk, and garlic, shallots, fresh basil, black pepper, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
- Add green mung beans or kidney beans and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
- Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
- Stir in cubed sweet pumpkin and spinach right before serving warm.