A writer's block. No a blogger's block. Or maybe a blogging block. I am diligently collecting stories but no juice. None. Was I just disappointed in blogging.. Was I having an existential moment with this. What is the purpose of this? Was I just disillusioned?
So in typical Jyotika style I snapped my fingers and said enough. (And a little chat with my friend helped). We never let anything bring us down. We must tell the food stories. We must keep on marching.
These last few months have been very busy at work. And I have been channeling Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals. A revolutionary food show that got people back in the kitchen and stop take-out and eating out because of crazy work days. Rachel Ray always had a full meal- salad/ appetizer, main and a quick dessert. All in 30 minutes- "The amount of time it takes for you to watch this show, I will have a full meal ready from start to finish in 30 min." I love her shortcuts and her kitchen efficient tips.
I still follow them to organize my cooking.
So here is a healthy delicious Chinese Stir Fry with Egg Fried Rice.
It is so easy, hassle free and quick, you will want to make it all the time. Infact I have made it twice in a week. Each time with a slight variation of the previous. Mom is vegetarian so I went with Tofu (Soya Paneer) as my source of protein in the dish. But tofu can be easily replaced with chicken, prawns, beef, add a little bacon in the oil to get that bacony salty taste.
But for now we are going vegetarian. And trust me it was absolutely delicious. Its the kind of meal that is hearty, filling and yet so healthy you feel good after it and not heavy and miserable.
INGREDIENTS
vegetable stir fry
1 Onion Sliced
3-4 Green Chilies sliced
Minced ginger and garlic (lots)
2 Carrots peeled and sliced
1 Yellow bell pepper sliced
1 pack of Soya Paneer cubed. (can replace with chicken, prawns, beef, paneer - any protein you fancy)
Last time I added mushrooms and corn this time added sliced french beans for the crunch.
Soya Sauce
Slice the tofu paneer in rectangular flat pieces
In some olive oil saute the garlic, ginger and green chilies.
Add the onions
Add the carrots, bell peppers and green beans. Adds such lovely color to the food.
Add a generous splash of soya sauce.
Stir and Fry. Add the tofu pieces.
Let it cook till it looks done. Add salt and some pepper. So easy and only 15 minutes.
Now for the egg fried rice.
INGREDIENTS:
Boiled rice ( I used brown rice)
Some garlic minced
Some onions sliced
One egg for the scramble
Green chilies
Finely chopped cilantro
Salt
Crack an egg in a bowl
In a large frying pan. Add some oil and scramble the eggs.
Set the scramble aside
In the same pan stir fry the onions, garlic, chilies.
Add the rice and stir. Add the scrambled egg. Sprinkle some more fresh Cilantro. its a wonder what a little cilantro can do.
Serve together. Light, fresh, crunchy, warm. Season with salt and pepper
A dash of Sriracha always does the magic. Is it really Chinese. I dont think so. or Maybe. The Soya Sauce does add the light Chinese flavour. Unlike what we are used, deep fried veggies, this is a much healthier option and so easy to make. Boil the rice while you prep. I try to keep a box of chopped onions, chilies, garlic and ginger so that my prep time reduces.
While cooking keep a garbage bowl (any large bowl to throw all the peels and trash as you work) on the counter- A GB- A girl's best friend. Its easy clean up after you cook.
Make the effort, to cook your meals and its a wonder what it does to your energy levels. For my waistline- I have still to see.
A very hipster piece of music with a very hipster meal