Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables

Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Burma

Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of brown rice with the nutty taste of sesame and the freshness of stir-fried vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Burmese cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Brown rice is a staple in Burmese cooking, and it is often paired with a variety of vegetables and spices to create hearty and satisfying dishes.

Ingredients

2 cups of brown rice
1 tsp of sea salt
2 green onions
1 radish
1 carrot
1 slice of cucumber
3 tbsp of cooking oil
1 tsp of finely chopped garlic
1 tbsp of sesame tahini
sesame seeds
soy sauce
lemon juice

How to prepare

Thoroughly wash the rice.
Boil the rice in 5 cups of water with sea salt until it becomes soft and tender.
While the rice is cooking, wash the vegetables.
Finely slice the onion.
Cut the radish in half.
Diagonally slice the carrot, then cut it into strips.
Slice the cucumber and cut each slice into four pieces.
In a wok or pan, heat oil and stir-fry the garlic until it turns golden brown.
Add all the vegetables and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
Add sesame seeds and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
Turn off the heat and set the mixture aside.
When the rice is cooked, drain it and add the fried vegetables and sesame seeds.
Stir the rice and vegetables together.
Add soy sauce and lemon juice.
Serve hot with sesame tahini.

Variations

Add diced tofu or cooked shrimp for extra protein.
Use quinoa or jasmine rice instead of brown rice for a different flavor and texture.
Drizzle with a spicy chili sauce or sriracha for added heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

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

- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to customize this dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or tofu. It pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the rice until tender ensures a fluffy and flavorful base for the vegetables.

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

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute tahini with peanut butter or almond butter for a different nutty flavor.

- Use any combination of your favorite vegetables in place of the ones listed in the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the brown rice and stir-fried vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the rice and vegetables in a pan and combine them before adding the soy sauce and lemon juice.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a refreshing iced green tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through or warm it in a pan on the stove.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fats, primarily from the cooking oil and sesame seeds.

Proteins

This dish provides around 8 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the brown rice and vegetables.

Vitamins and minerals

Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the vegetables and sesame seeds, as well as iron and fiber from the brown rice.

Alergens

This recipe contains sesame seeds and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal. With a mix of brown rice, stir-fried vegetables, and sesame seeds, this dish offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this dish as a main course or as a side dish for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables. It was a warm summer day, and I was exploring the bustling streets of Yangon, Myanmar. I had always been drawn to the vibrant colors and exotic smells of the local markets, and this day was no different.

As I meandered through the narrow alleys, I stumbled upon a small food stall tucked away in a corner. The aroma of sizzling spices and fragrant herbs filled the air, drawing me closer. I watched in fascination as the elderly woman behind the stall deftly chopped vegetables and stirred a bubbling pot of rice.

Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with the woman, who introduced herself as Ma Mya, a traditional Burmese cook with decades of experience. She laughed warmly as I expressed my admiration for her culinary skills and shared my own passion for cooking.

Ma Mya's eyes lit up as she began to explain the process of making Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables. She spoke with such reverence for the ingredients and techniques, emphasizing the importance of using fresh, locally sourced produce and cooking with love and intention.

I was captivated by her words and eager to learn more. Ma Mya graciously invited me to her home the following day to observe and assist her in preparing the dish. I eagerly accepted, feeling a sense of excitement and gratitude for this unexpected opportunity to learn from a master chef.

The next morning, I arrived at Ma Mya's humble home, where she greeted me with a warm smile and a steaming cup of tea. We spent the day working side by side in her cozy kitchen, as she guided me through each step of the recipe with patience and wisdom.

We started by washing and soaking the brown rice, a crucial step that Ma Mya emphasized for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. As the rice cooked on the stove, we prepared a colorful array of vegetables – carrots, bell peppers, green beans, and onions – which we sautéed in a fragrant blend of sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a harmonious blend of earthy spices and sweet vegetables. Ma Mya taught me the importance of balancing flavors and textures, adding a touch of sweetness with palm sugar and a hint of heat with fresh chilies.

As we plated the dish, garnishing it with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of fresh cilantro, Ma Mya shared stories of her own culinary journey. She spoke of the recipes passed down through generations, the flavors of her childhood, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.

I listened intently, savoring not only the delicious dish before me but also the wisdom and tradition that Ma Mya imparted. I felt a deep sense of connection to this woman, whose passion for food transcended language and culture, bridging the gap between us.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal together, I marveled at the simplicity and complexity of Burmese cuisine. The flavors were bold and vibrant, the textures rich and satisfying. Each bite was a journey of discovery, a symphony of tastes and sensations that danced on my tongue.

In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of Ma Mya's kitchen and the flavors of Myanmar, I knew that I had found something truly special. This recipe for Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables was more than just a dish – it was a testament to the power of food to nourish the body and soul, to create connections and memories that would last a lifetime.

As I reflect on that day, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous encounter that led me to Ma Mya and this incredible recipe. I carry her teachings with me in every dish I create, honoring her legacy and the rich culinary traditions of Myanmar.

And so, as I prepare this dish once again in my own kitchen, I do so with love and respect for the ingredients, the process, and the people who have inspired me along the way. For in every bite of Burmese-style Brown Rice with Sesame Fried Vegetables, I taste a piece of Ma Mya's spirit and the enduring power of food to connect us all.