We are eating much less meat than we used to. This is not for any ethical reason, or even financial reasons, it just happens to suit our way of life. It's no longer just Veggie Wednesdays.
The latest recipe that has come my way involves two of my favourite vegetables, cooked in a favourite way, in a favourite pan.
I love Pak Choi, and I love Mushrooms (I used Chestnut Mushrooms). A few minutes in a Wok with some chopped Spring Onions and some Garlic, combined with some Hoi Sin sauce, and you have a really nice simple meal. This was the first time I'd cooked it, and it was really good. Not something you'd give to guests maybe, but as a mid-week easy meal it was perfect. Lady M thought it might have been better with some Rice. Maybe she was right.
We did have a slice of Chocolate cake afterwards.
Looks good.
ReplyDeleteLady M and Rice. Only yesterday I was pondering how we need rice, potatoes, pasta, indeed bread, to play the back drop/canvas to a meal, mop up a sauce, a salad dressing.
Meat. I only eat meat from animals who led a, species appropriate, happy life before being slaughtered. Farms' names on request. Costs a bomb but then I always have been one for ethical living and quality over quantity.
Anyway, Cro, appetites and feeling of hunger change over the years. What youngsters can put away is astonishing. Main thing is to listen to our stomach, our body. And to Lady M.
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The rice, pasta, etc, are known in the business as 'Extenders'. They are essential in most meals. The next time I make this dish (which will be very soon) it will certainly be served with some Basmati. I don't know where you find your 'ethical' meat. I just try to buy 'British' and hope that our standards are better than most.
DeleteLooks and sounds delicious. Is that your main meal of the day.
ReplyDeleteWe usually have some veggie soup for lunch, with maybe some cheese. But I always think of our evening meal as our main one.
DeleteI made a mushroom and spinach soufflé omelette last night. Very tasty.
ReplyDeleteTry the above, you'd probably like it. It doesn't need too much Hoi Sin.
DeleteA bag of microwaveable rice would have been just the ticket with this simple meal. Perhaps you should buy a few pouches next time you are at the supermarket.
ReplyDeleteI do have a packet! I've been a bit scared of using it. The next time we have the above could be the right opportunity.
DeleteCheck the "use by" date first.
DeleteBBE Dec 2025.
DeleteMake sure the rice inside is not lumpy. Squidge it first before removing the corner and microwaving for two minutes. These bags save a lot of bother if you only need two moderate portions of rice. Supermarket home brands are of course cheaper.
DeleteThe pack I have is Sainsbury's Long Grain White Rice.
DeleteWe are also far more "veggie" based now.... as allotmenteers with "free" produce to hand, meat has almost become a condiment...
ReplyDeleteAnd, if you have a veg plot of any sort... now is the time to sow Pak Choi, Bok Choi, Mizuna greens, Mustard greens for an over winter harvest... but don't be tempted to sow a "Mixed Winter Greens" packet... they all grow at different rates and the stronger ones choke the opposition out!
Now is also the time for sowing your winter salads like the lettuce "Marvel of Four Seasons" and also Lamb's Lettuce for making soups.
I really miss my veg' garden (Haddock's), this was the time of year I liked most when just about everything was abundant. Preserving season.
DeleteI've looked for Pak choi but can't find it around here. I'm sure it would grow well. Your dish looks delicious
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find any in France either. It would grow there well too. It's probably more common here because we all love Chinese food!
DeleteMy Italian Godmother was a wonderful cook - She prepared everyday meals with only small amounts of meat - Olive oil, garlic often removed after flavouring - also roasted peppers she then skinned - flis x
ReplyDeleteI think that's the best way to go; small amounts of meat and plenty of vegs or salads. I haven't yet been veggie for a whole week, but I'm getting there.
DeleteLooks good,
ReplyDeleteIt was really very tasty. I possibly put a little too much Hoi Sin on it, but I'll know better next time. It really doesn't need a lot of added flavour.
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