Hawaiian Vegetables
A vibrant Hawaiian vegetable dish featuring sweet pineapple, crunchy water chestnuts, and a flavorful sauce with spices, perfect as a side or light main for tropical flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine diced carrots, onions, green pepper, and celery in a saucepan.
- Cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain well and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, combine salt, water, sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves with the juice from the can of pineapple.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add drained and sliced water chestnuts and pineapple chunks to the sauce.
- Add the sauce to the cooked vegetables and heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil. If you want a more substantial dish, you can include diced tofu or cooked chicken. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand; zucchini or snap peas can be great alternatives. To balance the sweetness, try reducing the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Vegetables dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it over rice or quinoa for added texture and flavor. For a casual gathering, consider serving it as part of a buffet alongside a Terrific Dip For Vegetables to complement the flavors. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can be sprinkled on top for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If it seems dry, add a splash of water during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Vegetables contains roughly 588 calories, with 6g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2038mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before combining and reheating. This makes it easy to serve during busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don’t have water chestnuts, you can substitute with sliced jicama for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you could use chopped bell peppers or bamboo shoots for a different texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this Hawaiian Vegetables recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It’s a great option for those looking for delicious vegan recipes that are both nutritious and satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).