Vegan | Serves 4

This is designed to make longan the centerpiece of a completely plant-based main course. Some of the longan is blended into the curry for sweetness and body while additional pieces remain whole.

Ingredients

Curry

– 1 1/2 cups (240 g) fresh longan flesh, peeled and seeded
– 1 tablespoon (15 ml) neutral cooking oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (100 g) broccoli florets
– 1 cup (100 g) sliced mushrooms
– 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste, vegan
– 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
– 1 teaspoon maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Garnish

– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
– 2 scallions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
– Lime wedges
– Red chili slices, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the longan

Place 3/4 cup longan in a blender.

Add the coconut milk and vegetable broth.

Blend until smooth.

Reserve the remaining 3/4 cup whole longan.

2. Cook the vegetables

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add onion, bell pepper, broccoli, mushrooms and carrot.

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Add aromatics

Add garlic and ginger.

Cook for 30 seconds.

Add the curry paste.

Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Add the longan curry

Pour in the blended longan-coconut mixture.

Add soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup and sesame oil.

Bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Cook for 8 minutes.

5. Add the whole longan

Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup longan.

Cook for 2–3 minutes.

Do not boil aggressively.

The longan should remain intact and juicy.

6. Serve

Serve over steamed jasmine rice.

Top with cilantro, scallions and peanuts.

Serve with lime wedges.

Longan Tip: For an even stronger longan presence, reserve 2 tablespoons of fresh longan and add it to each serving immediately before eating.