Brown Rice and Sesame Fried Vegetables

Brown Rice and Sesame Fried Vegetables Recipe from Brunei

Region / culture: Brunei | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Brown Rice and Sesame Fried Vegetables recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of brown rice with the nutty taste of sesame seeds. Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables, this dish is not only visually appealing but also full of essential vitamins and minerals.

History

This recipe draws inspiration from traditional Asian cuisine, where sesame seeds and vegetables are commonly used in stir-fry dishes. The addition of brown rice adds a healthy twist to this classic recipe, providing a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

30 g cumin seeds
6 cardamom pods
4 coriander seeds
30 g fennel seeds
1 clove
2 cm stick cinnamon
2 cups brown rice
1 tsp sea salt
2 green onions
1 cup radishes
1 carrot
1 sliced cucumber (2 inches)
3 tbsp cooking oil
1 tsp finely chopped garlic
1 tbsp sesame tahini
soy sauce
lemon juice

How to prepare

Wash the rice three times and boil it in plenty of salted water until it becomes tender.
While the rice is cooking, wash and prepare the vegetables.
Finely slice the green onions.
Cut each radish in half.
Diagonally cut the carrot, then slice each piece into strips.
Slice the cucumber (not too thinly) and cut each slice into four.
Heat the oil in a wok or pan and stir-fry the garlic for 40 seconds.
Add the prepared vegetables and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
Add the sesame seeds after 2 minutes.
When the rice is tender, drain it and stir in the fried vegetables and sesame seeds.
Stir in the sesame paste.
Sprinkle with a little soy sauce and lemon juice, and serve hot with sesame tahini to taste.

Variations

Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to customize this dish to your liking.
For a protein boost, add cooked shrimp, tofu, or tempeh to the stir-fry.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more soy sauce or lemon juice as needed.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Brown Rice and Sesame Fried Vegetables dish hot as a main course or as a side dish with grilled tofu or chicken.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the vegetables quickly over high heat helps to retain their crunchiness and vibrant colors.

- Boiling the brown rice until tender ensures a fluffy and perfectly cooked grain.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

- Use almond butter or peanut butter instead of tahini for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the vegetables and sesame seeds in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- Cook the brown rice ahead of time and reheat it before adding the stir-fried vegetables for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce for an elegant presentation. - Arrange the vegetables in a colorful and appealing manner to entice your guests.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Brown Rice and Sesame Fried Vegetables dish with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

- Enjoy with a glass of chilled green tea or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of this Brown Rice and Sesame Fried Vegetables recipe contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

- Brown rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the day.

- Vegetables like radishes, carrots, and cucumbers are low in carbohydrates but high in fiber, promoting digestive health.

Fats

- Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

- Cooking oil adds additional fats to the dish, so be mindful of portion sizes to keep the dish balanced.

Proteins

- While this dish is primarily plant-based, sesame seeds are a good source of plant-based protein, making it a suitable option for vegetarians and vegans.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetables like green onions, radishes, carrots, and cucumbers are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

- Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are important for bone health and muscle function.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame seeds, which may be allergenic to some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and flavorful option for a wholesome meal.

Summary

This Brown Rice and Sesame Fried Vegetables recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of brown rice with a variety of colorful vegetables and nutty sesame seeds. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a wholesome and satisfying option for a healthy meal. Enjoy this dish as a main course or as a side dish, and customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein sources for a delicious and personalized meal experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just finished visiting the local farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for my next culinary adventure. As I was perusing the various stalls filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, a kind elderly woman approached me with a warm smile.

"Excuse me, dear," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Have you ever tried brown rice and sesame fried vegetables?"

I shook my head, intrigued by her question. I had always been a fan of rice dishes, but the addition of sesame and fried vegetables piqued my curiosity.

"Well, let me tell you, it's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations," she continued, her voice filled with pride. "Would you like me to share it with you?"

I eagerly nodded, and she proceeded to write down the ingredients and instructions on a small scrap of paper. As she handed it to me, I could see the joy in her eyes, knowing that she was passing on a piece of her culinary heritage to a new generation.

I thanked her profusely and headed home, excited to try out the recipe for myself. As I gathered the ingredients and began cooking, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of sesame and spices. The sizzle of the vegetables in the pan was music to my ears, and I couldn't help but smile as I thought of the kind woman who had shared this recipe with me.

When the dish was finally ready, I took a bite and was transported to a world of flavors and textures unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The nutty brown rice paired perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and the savory sesame sauce. It was a symphony of tastes that danced on my tongue, leaving me craving more.

From that moment on, brown rice and sesame fried vegetables became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy nights when I wanted something comforting and delicious.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking little details here and there to suit my tastes. I experimented with different vegetables, added extra spices, and even tried different types of rice. Each variation brought a new dimension to the dish, but the core of the recipe remained the same - a simple yet flavorful combination of brown rice, sesame, and vegetables.

As I shared the recipe with friends and family, they too fell in love with its unique charm. They would often ask me for the recipe, eager to recreate the magic in their own kitchens. And I would always oblige, happy to pass on the gift that had been given to me by that kind elderly woman so many years ago.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of brown rice and sesame fried vegetables, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and culinary knowledge that have been passed down to me over the years. Each one is a treasure, a piece of history that connects me to my ancestors and the generations that came before me.

And as I take a bite of the dish that started it all, I can't help but smile, knowing that the tradition of sharing recipes and stories will continue on, enriching the lives of those who come after me. After all, food is not just sustenance - it is a gateway to memories, traditions, and the bonds that unite us all. And for that, I am eternally grateful.