Also, here is a link to the first impression, incase your curiosity is piqued.
As a bonus tidbit, here is the recipe for the dish I made and photographed for the first impression:
Fun Fact: The manga of Sweetness and Lightning includes the recipes for the dishes the characters make. So, in keeping with that spirit I decided to include my own recipe.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a wonderful catch-all recipe to use up old leftovers or invigorate day-old Chinese take-out. So search the fridge and make some magic!
Ingredients:
- various vegetables, chopped (whatever you want to go into your rice)
- rice (this can be fresh rice, frozen, or rice you stuck in the fridge two days ago)
- meat (this is where the leftovers come in!)
- various seasonings (to taste)
- olive oil or butter (something to cook with)
- large/medium skillet
1. Chop your vegetables. -> these are the ones that haven't been cooked yet. If you have leftover veggies you want to add that are already cooked, they will be added later.
- Some of my favorites include carrots, cabbage, celery, and onion, but it can change depending on what you prefer and what you have on hand.
- Size doesn't matter, however, smaller pieces will cook faster.
- The amount of veggies depends on how much rice you have and how many people you are going to be serving. You kind of have to eyeball it, but a full soup bowl of chopped vegetables is a good place to start.
2. Begin cooking!
- Warm up your skillet before adding the olive oil/butter. I prefer olive oil, but butter works just as well. Let your butter melt and tilt the skillet so it coats the pan. Same with the olive oil.
- Now you are ready to add the veggies! If you have any crushed fresh garlic add it with the vegetables.
3. Cook the vegetables.
- This is the hard part. When your vegetables are tender or have char marks they should be done. If you like your veggies with a bit of crunch, then don't cook them as long.
4. Add the rice.
- I like to add a little soy sauce or more olive oil at this point to get things sizzling! Don't get too excited though, a little goes a long way.
5. Add any leftover vegetables.
- These have already been cooked, so we just need to let them warm up.
6. Add the meat.
- This can be combined with step #5.
- Whatever you have on hand usually works, however some kinds of meat work better than others. Example: I've had salami in fried rice, but I think chicken or pork is better. Also, I wouldn't recommend barbecue, but whatever floats your boat.
7. Add the spices and seasonings to finish it off.
- This can be more soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ect.
- Also, some people like to scramble an egg and incorporate that into the dish. Eggs aren't my favorite, so I didn't do that. However you are more than welcome to try it!
8. You are done!
- Make sure all the added ingredients have been sufficiently warmed up. Turn off the burner and enjoy!
- Quick tip: Feel free to garnish your scrumptious creation. Things like fresh snap peas or parsley can add a burst of color and texture.
It's a pretty simple recipe, it's just open to a lot of suggestion. I hope you try it out and enjoy it!
