Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Chinese Food Re-Mix


Tonight's dish will remind you of a staple component of Chinese take-out: veggie fried rice.

Except nothing is fried. And I used bulgur instead of rice. And the sodium content won't land you on blood pressure medication by tomorrow.

So it's not anywhere near the same as veggie fried rice. But it tastes pretty darn close. Awesome.

When Adam was in college he occasionally treated himself to late night Chinese take-out with his buddies. Despite the man's small frame and feather-light weight, he could pack away cartons of veggie fried rice like it was his job.

Although he hasn't had the salt-laden dish in a few years, he got a random craving last week and suggested we "re-mix" the classic into a rockin' health-i-fied dinner.

Easy as pie: Prepare bulgur. Saute veggies. Mix together. Season with soy sauce. Reminisce about college (and your college metabolism). Smile...those were some good times, weren't they?


A Chinese take-out twist on Bulgur and Veggies
(Otherwise known as "Not-Fried Not-Rice")
(A Hungry Spoon Original)

This recipe will remind you of veggie fried rice, but won't leave your doctor lecturing you about salt-intake. Mmm..Mmmm..good :)

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup bulgur, uncooked
  • 2 cups of broth (veggie or chicken)
  • a dash of olive oil
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 cup of frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen edamame
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Low-sodium soy sauce to taste
Directions:
1) Prepare bulgur: Bring broth to a boil. Add bulgur, remove from heat, cover, and set aside for approximately 25 - 30 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. When time is up, drain any excess liquid.

2) Heat a dash of olive oil in a pot. Add onion and carrot and saute until onion is translucent (about 5 - 7 minutes). Add peas, edamame, and garlic. Stir frequently until all veggies are softened, about 5 more minutes or so. Add bulgur to the dish and stir frequently, cooking until it begins to remind you of veggie fried rice (about 5 more minutes). Season with soy sauce. Serve, eat, enjoy.

10 comments:

  1. You are very creative with this name, "Not fried not rice". That's cute. It really like "fried rice" from far :D

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  2. Not only does this look awesome, but I'm pretty sure all the ingredients would cost less than $5 and feed me lunch for a week. Bonus.

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  3. Hi sweet girl! Thank you for sharing this healthy version of one of my husband's favorite foods! Like your man, Ryan use to do his fair share of late night Chinese food runs. He will be happy to try this recipe, and I know we'll both enjoy every bite. Thank you for sharing! Have a great Thursday.

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  4. My bf Matt is a fried rice FREAK! I've never thought of using bulgur instead, awesome trick! Love that you put edamame in there too.

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  5. This is the best stir fry I've seen in awhile. I really need to break out and try bulgur.

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  6. I so so so have to make this. My hubby ALWAYS gets fried rice and it grosses me out, what a healthy substitution!! I have noticed that when I healthify a dish he RARELY ever notices. So hopefully I can sneak this one in ;)

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  7. Chinese food makes me sooo sooo sick! I can't touch it with a 10ft pole -- but this, this I could eat! yummm

    xoXOxo
    Jenn L @ Peas & Crayons

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  8. My fried rice always turns out so soggy and gross. On the rare occasion I want it, I just order out. Next time I should just call you for some take out :)

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  9. I so rarely make fried rice at-home, that this could be a really good way to incorporate it without Marcus ever knowing the difference :)

    Plus, let's be serious. Everyone loves Chinese food until they feel like they're going to die afterward.

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