I am currently waging an ongoing war with a hairy, creepy sort of creature. I am trying to defend my broccoli crop from being ravaged by a particular species of caterpillar. At the moment I have the upper hand with my molasses pressure pump spray, but as soon as I stop the regular bombardment, they’re back with a vengeance. If you have ever had the opportunity to taste freshly picked broccolini, you would understand why I want to desperately protect my crop. It is very hard to go back to buying the withered stalks on offer when you can pick your own.
Thankfully I have collected six pickings so far, with more to come if I remain on the attack. I used my latest pickings in this steamed greens recipe. Red pak choy, broccolini and tatsoi were picked from the garden and I added bought beans. Any Asian vegetables would go nicely, particularly choy sum. This was served with the Coconut Sugar and Five Spice Tofu accompanied by rice.
steamed greens with sesame dressing
ingredients
collection of Asian and green vegetables (I used broccolini, tatsoi, red pak choy and green beans)
about ½ tsp toasted black and white sesame seeds (I keep a bottle already pre-toasted in the fridge)
¼ tsp sesame oil
½ tsp mirin
½ tsp rice vinegar
½ tsp tamari/soy sauce
preparation
- Combine sesame oil, mirin, rice vinegar and tamari together. Set aside.
- Steam harder greens (broccolini, beans) until tender, but firm. Add soft greens (tatsoi, pak choy) for the last 30 seconds or so.
- Drain (I reserve the liquid and freeze for vegetable stock) and toss through the dressing.
Serve with a sprinkling of the sesame seed mix.
Shared goodness from Donna
2 responses
We enjoyed the freshness of this recipe last night with our home grown tatsoi, rice and Stephanie Alexander’s BBQ chicken recipe. Provided a lovely contrast in colour and texture. Just one question..we left out the mirin..where can I purchase this?
Hi Dale, pleased you enjoyed the greens recipe. Your meal sounds like a great combination. Mirin can be bought from the health food or Asian section of large supermarkets or any Asian grocery store. It is a naturally fermented sweet rice seasoning made from sweet brown rice, water and sea salt. It is mainly used in Japanese cuisine and can be used instead of salt or soy sauce for a sweeter taste. As it is a strong flavour, you don’t need to use very much.
Donna