Yard-Long Bean, Eggplant, and Tomato Stew with Mint and Dill

Another example of long beans’ unusual texture: braised with other vegetables, the bean remains firm and full-flavored. While the eggplant softens to a velvety texture and the tomatoes melt into a sauce, the beans intensify and keep their crunch, becoming almost nut-like. As with ratatouille, which this dish closely resembles, a mellowing period develops and knits together the several flavors. Leftovers know no limits: casseroles, omelet and sandwich fillings, pasta sauce, seasoning for oth