1cup Bell PeppersI used Red, Yellow, Green, Purple - all 1/4 cup each
1 Onionmedium
1/2tspWhite pepper powder
1/2tspSalt
2TBSPSesame oil
1tspGarlicchopped
1/2inchGingergrated
1Serrano pepperopt.
(B) Ingredients for Hot and Sour Vegetables:
1/2cupBell Peppers
1Onionsmedium, Cubed
1/4cupBaby Cornchopped into thick juilennes
1/4cupBroccoli florets
1AsparagusCut lengthwise,optional
1/2TBSPSoya SauceI used Low Sodium
2TBSPOil
1/2tspTomato Puree
1/2tspWhite Pepper Powder
1tspBrown Sugar
2tspRice Flour
3TBSPWarm water
2cupsHomemade Vegetable Stock
1/4tspSaltmind you, the sauces contain salt, so add in moderation
1/2tspRed chilli sauce
1/2tspGinger
2pods Garlicminced
Instructions
Prep Work:
Wash and soak the rice for 15 mins. Drain. Cook till fluffy and separate the grains and keep aside. Cool throughly.
Alternately, you can use previously cooked and cooled rice also in this recipe !
Chop the baby corn, broccoli, asparagus and blanch in slightly salted water for 3-4 mins. Transfer to a bowl of ice and let them remain there, Drain after 4-5 mins.
How to prepare the Hot & Sour Veggies:
Heat oil, sauté the onions, ginger and garlic. Add the peppers and sauté for 3 mins till they turn crunchy.
Now add the blanched and drained veggies and sauté once more for 2 mins.
Add the sauces, salt, tomato puree and toss once.
Tip in the vegetable stock and let the veggies cook till done, but not mushy – about 7-8 mins.
Dissolve the rice flour in warm water and add to the gravy.
Now add the brown sugar and white pepper powder . Adjust spice and serve with 3-pepper rice (recipe below)
How to make the 3-pepper rice:
In a large wok, heat oil. Saute ginger and garlic , onions and chopped peppers, add the slit Serrano peppers, salt, and sauté till onions turn translucent (about 5-7 mins on medium flame). Now add the white pepper powder, cooked rice.
Toss once taking care not to break the grains.
Adjust salt and spice.
Serve immediately with the Hot and Sour Vegetables for a yummy vegetarian and Vegan Chinese Combo Meal.
This dish contains no added MSG or thickening agents. In fact I substituted cornflour with homemade rice flour, and it worked well.
Use any combo of veggies for the Hot and Sour Gravy. As I had a medley of Capsicum and other veggies, I used them aplenty.
The 3-pepper Rice is a combo of Serrano peppers, bell peppers and white pepper powder. Adjust spice accordingly.
To add some protein, Sauteed Tofu / Panner / Chicken all work.
You can omit the Soya Sauce if you want it SOy-Free.
Notes
Tips and Tricks to make a great Combo Meal !
This dish contains no added MSG or thickening agents. In fact I substituted cornflour with homemade rice flour, and it worked well.
Use any combo of veggies for the Hot and Sour Gravy. As I had a medley of Capsicum and other veggies, I used them aplenty. Baby Corn, Mushroom, Bokchoy, Broccoli - all work well
The 3-pepper Rice is a combo of Serrano peppers, bell peppers and white pepper powder. Adjust spice accordingly.
To add some protein, Sauteed Tofu / Panner / Chicken all work.
You can omit the Soya Sauce if you want it Soy-Free.