Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Chinese Spinach with Noodles


This easy Chinese stir-fry is a meal in itself. Recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

1 pound (500 g) Chinese spinach
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly chopped ginger
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoons chicken stock
1 teaspoon sugar
1 pound (500 g) noodles
2 tablespoons butter or oil

Method:

1. Wash and drain the spinach. Discard tough part of stems and roughly chop leaves and stems.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large fry pan. Add the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook for 1/2 minute then add the spinach. Toss to coat in the oil, cooking for 1 1/2 minutes.
3. Add the soy sauce, sherry, chicken stock and sugar and stir-fry for a further 2-3 minutes.
4. In the meantime, cook the noodles in boiling water. Add to spinach along with the butter or oil and toss until well combined. Add more soy sauce or chicken stock if required. Serve hot.

Stuffed Artichokes

Like many vegetables, the artichoke lends itself to cooking well in the microwave oven. This dish makes a spectacular entree for an Italian dinner party. Recipe serves 2.

Ingredients:

2 large artichokes
1/2 lemon
3/4 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup finely chopped ham
1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, grated
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon freshly crushed garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cut base from artichokes so they sit flat. Rub the cut with lemon. Using a sharp knife, slice 1 inch (2.5 cm) off the top of the artichokes. Rub the top with lemon.
2. Trim off prickly point of each leaf. Rub with lemon.
3. Arrange the artichokes upright on a microwave safe plate. Pour in 1/2 cup of the stock and cover with cling wrap. Cook on full power until the stem end feels tender, about 12 minutes. Let the artichokes stand for 5 minutes.
4. combine the ham, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, butter, Mozzarella, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper and remaining 1/4 cup stock.
5. Halve each artichoke lengthwise. Scoop out the fuzzy choke and the small leaves in the center. Arrange the halves on a plate, stem ends facing the outer edge. Fill each half with the ham-crumb mixture and cover loosely.
6. Cook for 3 minutes at full power. Let stand for 3 minutes before serving.

Pumpkin and Ginger Streusel


An easy if somewhat unusual dessert with a crunchy streusel topping that proves vegetables truly are delicious. Serve warm with custard. Recipe serves 4.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pound (750 g) pumpkin, peeled
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups water
2 tablespoons chopped glace ginger
Streusel Topping:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 ounces (60 g) butter

Method:

1. Cut pumpkin into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Combine sugar and water in medium saucepan, stir over medium heat for about 3 minutes (or microwave on High for about 3 minutes) or until sugar is dissolved. Add pumpkin to syrup, simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes (or microwave on High for about 10 minutes) or until pumpkin is soft, drain; reserve 1/2 cup syrup.
2. Combine pumpkin and ginger in medium bowl, spoon into 4 ovenproof dishes (3/4 cup capacity), top with reserved syrup, sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake in moderate oven about 20 minutes or until golden and heated through.
3. Streusel Topping: Combine sugar, flour, oats and ginger in medium bowl, then rub in the butter with your fingertips.