leftovers

During the summer, it’s especially hard to come back to work on Monday as a fully functioning individual. Even a weekend in the Hamptons or the good ‘ol American countryside can turn the go-getter of go-getters into a serious case of the Monday-morning-blues. You may be physically present at your client meetings and number crunchings, but your mind drifts away to those “omg, life is amazing!!!” sun kissed-rosé-soaked moments. An even more cruel reminder of the work week is opening the fridge to find a hodge-podge of last week’s grocery ambitions. Half an onion, a few shiitake mushrooms, three asparagus, a lone bok choy (where did he come from?) … they all had big dreams just a few days ago.

Rather than toss out yet another bag of overpriced produce from WholeFoods, we like to throw these guys together in one skillet and give it the Asian touch. With the addition of fresh garlic, ginger and herbs, Kitchen Sink Stir Fry becomes the perfect pick me up for the workweek. While it may not be the prettiest dish, it’s definitely one of the tastiest.

Kitchen Sink Stir Fry (serves 2)

You’ll Need:
– Any mix of stir fry vegetables (plateful): red pepper, eggplant, yellow squash, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, snap peas, scallions
– Aromatics (must) : onion, fresh chopped garlic, fresh ginger
– Protein (optional) ideas : firm tofu, ground pork, chicken, beef
– Sauce (to taste) : combine grated garlic + ginger, soy sauce, lemon juice, few drops sesame oil, few tblspn honey, sriracha type sauce, mixed together to make 1/4 cup sauce to add at the end
– Cooked hot rice or noodles
– Canola oil, fresh ground pepper, fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley).

Directions:
1). Chop all the vegetables so that they are all equal size, set aside. Slice onion and set aside in separate small bowl.
2). Chop garlic + grate ginger and set aside
3). Mix together sauce (grate the ginger / garlic with a microplane so it disappears into the sauce).
4). Have protein ready on the side
5). Heat large non stick skillet until hot, add few tablespoons of canola oil. When just shimmering, add the onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft, add the rest of the veggies at once. Stir fry for a good 10 minutes until all the veg start softening and coming together. Add fresh ginger and garlic, cook for another 5 minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt (use very little since the soy sauce adds enough salt to the dish), fresh cracked pepper.
6). Push all the veggies to one side of the pan, add another 1tbsp oil, brown the protein, season lightly with scant pinch of salt and fresh cracked pepper.
7). When the meat is browned, start mixing with the veggies, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the sauce and stir well. Cook another 5 minutes until everything comes together. Taste for seasonings, adjust if necessary.
8). Serve over rice or noodles in a bowl. Top with fresh herbs and hot sauce.
9). Option : add a fried egg on top.

Best enjoyed on the couch while watching your favorite retro tv show.