Almond Vegetable Stir-fry

Almond Vegetable Stir-fry Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Almond Vegetable Stir-fry is a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious dish that combines the crunchiness of almonds with the freshness of assorted vegetables, all brought together with a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without compromising on taste. It's a versatile dish that can be customized based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this stir-fry is straightforward to prepare and is sure to impress.

History

The concept of stir-frying vegetables with nuts has its roots in Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese cooking, where the technique of quick-cooking food in a small amount of hot oil over high heat has been practiced for centuries. Almonds, being highly nutritious and flavorful, have found their way into various cuisines around the world. The Almond Vegetable Stir-fry is a modern take on traditional stir-fry dishes, incorporating almonds for their texture and nutritional benefits, making it a wholesome choice for a meal.

Ingredients

1.5 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
0.5 cup whole almonds
8 cups assorted vegetables, thinly sliced, in chunks, or 2-inch strips
0.5 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp powdered ginger
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
0.33 cup water

How to prepare

Heat half of the oil in a non-stick skillet.
Add almonds and cook, tossing for about 8 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Pour the remaining oil in the skillet and add the vegetables. Stir-fry for about five minutes, tossing often, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
In a separate bowl, mix garlic powder, ginger, cornstarch, water, and soy sauce until smooth.
Add the mixture to the skillet and cook, tossing for about 2 minutes until thickened.
Sprinkle with almonds and serve over rice.

Variations

1. Add tofu or chicken for an extra protein boost.
2. Use different nuts, such as cashews or peanuts, instead of almonds.
3. Incorporate a variety of sauces, such as hoisin or oyster sauce, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Use a wok or a large, non-stick skillet to allow ample space for the vegetables to cook evenly.

2. Preheat the pan before adding the oil to ensure the vegetables cook quickly and retain their crisp texture.

3. Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate.

4. Toast the almonds separately to prevent them from becoming soggy and to enhance their flavor.

5. Add the sauce at the end of cooking to avoid over-thickening, which can happen if it's cooked for too long.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Almond Vegetable Stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which involves cooking food quickly over high heat while constantly stirring. Toasting the almonds separately is another technique employed to enhance their flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

2. Substitute any vegetables you don't like or have on hand with your favorites.

3. Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening the sauce if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetables and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply stir-fry the vegetables and add the sauce for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added color and texture. Serve in a large bowl or platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing green tea for a complete dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Almond Vegetable Stir-fry contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a low-calorie option that's full of flavor and nutrients.

Carbohydrates

This Almond Vegetable Stir-fry is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the vegetables and the cornstarch used to thicken the sauce. The exact carbohydrate content will vary depending on the specific vegetables used, but on average, a serving of this dish contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Almonds are a healthy source of fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The vegetable oil used in the recipe also contributes to the fat content, though it's used sparingly. Overall, a serving of this stir-fry contains about 10-15 grams of fat, with a significant portion coming from the almonds.

Proteins

While this dish is primarily vegetable-based, almonds add a nice protein boost. Each serving of Almond Vegetable Stir-fry provides approximately 6-8 grams of protein, making it a suitable option for a light protein source in a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This stir-fry is packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to the variety of vegetables used. It's particularly high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and iron. The almonds contribute additional nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.

Alergens

The primary allergen in this recipe is almonds, which are tree nuts. Those with a nut allergy should avoid this dish or substitute the almonds with a non-allergenic ingredient.

Summary

Overall, Almond Vegetable Stir-fry is a nutritious, balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. It's low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Summary

Almond Vegetable Stir-fry is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dish that's easy to make and can be customized to suit various dietary needs and preferences. With its combination of fresh vegetables, crunchy almonds, and a savory sauce, it's a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Almond Vegetable Stir-fry. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I flipped through an old cookbook that had been handed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, my eyes fell upon a simple yet enticing recipe that caught my attention - Almond Vegetable Stir-fry.

I had always been a lover of vegetables, and the thought of combining them with crunchy almonds and flavorful stir-fry sauce intrigued me. I decided then and there that I must try this recipe for myself. Little did I know, this dish would soon become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Intrigued by the recipe, I set out to gather the necessary ingredients. I searched through my pantry and refrigerator, pulling out fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. I also retrieved a bag of almonds that had been sitting in the back of the cupboard, waiting to be used.

With all my ingredients in hand, I set to work preparing the Almond Vegetable Stir-fry. I chopped the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, careful to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. I then heated a wok on the stove, adding a splash of oil and tossing in the almonds to toast them to a golden brown.

The kitchen filled with the nutty aroma of the almonds as I added the vegetables to the wok, stirring them gently to coat them in the oil and almonds. The colors of the vegetables popped against the dark wok, creating a beautiful display of red, green, orange, and purple.

Next, I mixed together a simple stir-fry sauce made of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. I poured the sauce over the vegetables, watching as it bubbled and thickened, coating each piece in a savory glaze.

As the Almond Vegetable Stir-fry cooked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The dish smelled incredible, and I knew it would taste even better. I couldn't wait to dig in and savor the flavors that I had worked so hard to create.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I plated the Almond Vegetable Stir-fry, garnishing it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra crunch. I took my first bite, and my taste buds erupted in delight.

The vegetables were perfectly cooked, still crisp and vibrant with color. The almonds added a satisfying crunch, while the stir-fry sauce tied everything together with its rich, umami flavor. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced across my palate, leaving me eager for more.

I couldn't believe that I had created such a delicious dish from a simple recipe in an old cookbook. The Almond Vegetable Stir-fry had exceeded all my expectations, and I knew that it would become a beloved favorite in my family for years to come.

As I sat at the table, savoring each bite of the Almond Vegetable Stir-fry, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had led me to this moment. From my grandmother's cookbook to my own kitchen, I had discovered a recipe that would bring joy and satisfaction to those I loved.

And so, with a full stomach and a content heart, I made a mental note to share the recipe for Almond Vegetable Stir-fry with my grandchildren one day, passing on the tradition of delicious cooking that had been handed down to me.