Chinese Vegetables a la Florida

Chinese Vegetables a la Florida Recipe - Delicious and Authentic Chinese Food

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

Introduction

Chinese Vegetables a la Florida is a delicious and healthy dish that combines a variety of colorful vegetables with a tangy grapefruit juice sauce. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a light and refreshing meal that is packed with nutrients.

History

This recipe is a fusion of Chinese and Floridian cuisine, combining traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques with the use of fresh Florida grapefruit juice. The result is a unique and flavorful dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

2 cups of carrots
2 cups of celery
1 cup of broccoli
1 cup of green beans
1 large onion
0.5 tsp of salt
1.75 cups of grapefruit juice
1 cup of broccoli florets
4 tsp of cornstarch
soy sauce

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, combine carrots, celery, broccoli stems, green beans, onion, salt, and 1 cup of grapefruit juice. Bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer for 8 minutes.
Add broccoli florets. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Blend cornstarch with the remaining 0.75 cup of grapefruit juice. Pour over vegetables.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Serve immediately with soy sauce, if desired.

Variations

Add protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or water chestnuts for variety.
Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor, but you can also use bottled juice if needed.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or add protein such as tofu or chicken for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice or noodles. It pairs well with grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender to retain their nutrients and texture.

- Stir constantly when thickening the sauce with cornstarch to prevent lumps.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any combination of your favorite vegetables in this recipe.

- Substitute orange juice for grapefruit juice if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chinese Vegetables a la Florida in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese Vegetables a la Florida contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake. The majority of the carbohydrates come from the vegetables and grapefruit juice.

Fats

Chinese Vegetables a la Florida is a low-fat dish, with most of the fat coming from the small amount of cornstarch used to thicken the sauce. This makes it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

This recipe is low in protein, so you may want to consider adding a protein source such as tofu or chicken to make it a more balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, broccoli is high in vitamin C, and green beans are a good source of vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, soy sauce is used as a condiment, so be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce if needed.

Summary

Chinese Vegetables a la Florida is a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-carb dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Summary

Chinese Vegetables a la Florida is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a variety of colorful vegetables in a flavorful grapefruit juice sauce.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, during a trip to Florida with my husband. We were staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, and one evening, the owner invited us to join him for dinner. He said he was going to prepare a special dish - Chinese Vegetables a la Florida.

I was intrigued. Chinese cuisine with a Florida twist? I had never heard of such a thing. As we sat down at the dining table, the owner began to prepare the dish right in front of us. He explained that the recipe was passed down to him by a Chinese friend who had lived in Florida for many years.

The aroma of the sizzling vegetables filled the room, and my mouth watered in anticipation. I watched intently as the owner diced fresh vegetables - bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas - and tossed them in a wok with a fragrant blend of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.

As the vegetables cooked, the owner added a handful of juicy Florida oranges, peeled and sliced into segments. The sweetness of the oranges combined with the savory flavors of the vegetables created a delightful harmony of tastes and textures.

When the dish was ready, we all sat down to eat. The first bite was a revelation. The crisp vegetables, the tender oranges, the burst of flavors in every mouthful - it was a symphony of culinary delight. I knew then that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

After our trip to Florida, I reached out to the owner of the bed and breakfast and asked him for the recipe. He graciously shared it with me, and I was thrilled to add it to my collection of cherished recipes.

Over the years, I have made Chinese Vegetables a la Florida many times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. Each time I make it, the memories of that evening in Florida come flooding back, and I am reminded of how food has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a beloved dish in our household. My grandchildren always request it when they come to visit, and I love watching their faces light up as they take their first bite.

As I sit here now, flipping through my recipe book, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover Chinese Vegetables a la Florida. It has become more than just a recipe - it is a reminder of the joy of trying new things, the pleasure of good food, and the beauty of shared experiences.

And so, as I prepare to make this dish once again for dinner tonight, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a smile on my face. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to many more years of enjoying its delicious flavors with those I love.