Green Beans, Garlic Stir-Fry

Green bean stir-fry in garlic sauce is a beloved staple in Asian cuisine, cherished for its simplicity and delightful flavor.  Not only is it a tasty and nutritious side dish for vegans, but recent research from Medical Greece also highlights its numerous health benefits. Green beans are rich in vitamin B, which can help lower blood hemocyte levels, and they are excellent for bone health due to their high manganese content, which aids in calcium absorption. Additionally, incorporating more green beans into your diet may improve your eyesight.

One of my favorite dishes is the Chinese recipe for green beans in garlic sauce.  While I can't visit the restaurant daily to savor this dish, I made it a regular part of my weekly meal plan.  It’s quick, easy, and requires just a few ingredients.  Let’s bring this delicious and health-boosting dish to your home so your family can enjoy its excellent taste and benefits.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. green beans, fresh or frozen

5 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp oil 

1 cup red onion, sliced

Seasoning Ingredients:

Soy sauce, salt, mushroom seasoning, sugar, black pepper

Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro

Directions:

Bring a pot with water to boil.  Add salt and 1 tbsp oil, then add green beans.  Blanch the green beans for 2 minutes.  Drain.

In a sauté pan, add some oil, then add garlic.  Stir and cook garlic until golden brown; pay attention to not burning the garlic. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add blanched green beans and stir to sear them with the garlic oil, then season with salt, pepper, mushroom seasoning, sugar, and soy sauce.  Adjust the seasoning for your taste.  Add red onions and fry garlic.  Cook for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the garnish if using.

Tips:

I blanch the green beans for a healthier version.  You can deep-fry the green beans as they cook in the restaurant.

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Japanese-style Stir-Fried White Radish with Tofu

This Japanese-inspired vegetarian dish highlights the simple yet nutritious combination of white radish (daikon) and tofu.  White radish contains vitamin C, folate, fiber, and minerals like potassium and calcium.  Paired with protein-rich tofu, this low-fat, nutrient-dense dish is perfect for a light, healthy meal.

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 8 oz. tofu (firm or extra-firm)
• 200 grams daikon (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tsp mushroom seasoning (or substitute with vegetable bouillon powder)
• 1/3 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Ingredients:

·         Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.

·         Peel and wash the daikon, then cut it into small cubes.

·         Mix the mushroom seasoning, vegetable broth, soy sauce, sugar, and salt in a small bowl to make the sauce.

2.    Cooking the Tofu:

·         Heat a pan over medium heat and add 2 tbsp of oil.

·         Add the tofu cubes and pan-fry them until golden on all sides.

3.    Stir-Fryimg:

·         Push the tofu to the side of the pan and add the minced garlic and ginger.  Sauté until fragrant.

·         Add the cubed daikon and stir well.

4.    Simmering with Sauce:

·         Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a boil.

·         Reduce the heat and simmer until the daikon becomes translucent and tender, stirring occasionally.

5.    Finishing and Serving:

·         Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

·         Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for garnish.

·         Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish!

Quick Poppy Seed, Almond, and Fig Bread

Discover the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor with our Quick Poppy Seed, Almond, and Fig Bread.  Packed with the wholesome goodness of poppy seeds, almonds, and figs, this delightful bread is a treat for your taste buds and a powerhouse of nutrients. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast or a quick snack, this bread covers you.  Enjoy the rich, nutty flavors and the natural sweetness of figs in every bite!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups self-rising flour (or substitute with 2 cups all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking soda)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1/3 cup roasted almonds, chopped
• 1/3 cup dried figs, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Directions:

1.    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2.    Line a 9 in. x 5 in. loaf pan with parchment paper.

3.    In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until well blended.

4.    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

5.    Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.

6.    Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• If you don't have self-rising flour, replace it with 2 cups of all-purpose flour and add two teaspoons of baking soda.
• Feel free to experiment by swapping figs with other dried fruits like raisins or apricots.
• You can make an orange glaze for this recipe:
• 1/2 cup orange juice 2 cups powdered sugar and mix well. You can add vanilla and almond extract to enhance flavor

Enjoy your flavorful and moist loaf!

Stir-fried Miso Garlic Shrimp and Eggplant

Are you looking for a simple yet nutritious dish that caters to vegans and non-vegans?  Look no further!  My Eggplant and Shrimp Stir-Fry recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a healthy meal. The ingredients for this recipe are Eggplant, which is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.  Eggplant is a powerhouse of nutrients that supports heart health and aids in digestion.  Shrimp is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals; shrimp is an excellent addition for those who include seafood in their diet study.  Two of these ingredients will give you tremendous health benefits. However, if you are vegan, omit the shrimp, and you still have a delicious and nutritious dish. Eggplant alone provides a wealth of nutrients essential for daily health.  For non-vegans, adding shrimp enhances the flavor and boosts the protein content, making this dish even more satisfying and nutritious.

Whether vegan or following a balanced diet, this Eggplant and Shrimp Stir-Fry is a versatile and valuable addition to your meal repertoire.  Enjoy the best of both worlds with this delightful and healthy dish!

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 Japanese eggplants
• 1/3 lb. shrimp, shelled and deveined (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

Ingredients For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1 tsp white miso
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp hoisin sauce (use oyster sauce for non-vegans)
• 1 tbsp sugar or honey
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Ingredients For the Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Ingredients:

·         Cut the eggplant into bite-sized pieces and soak in salted water for 15 minutes to prevent browning.  Drain and set aside.

·         If using shrimp, wash and marinate with 1 tsp cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and sugar.

·         In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth.

2.    Blanching the Eggplant:

·         Bring a pot of water to a boil.  Add eggplant pieces and cook for 30 seconds.  Drain and set aside.

3.    Cooking the Shrimp:

·         Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat.  Spread shrimp in a single layer and pan-fry for 3 minutes on each side or until pink and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4.    Sautéing Aromatics and Cooking the Eggplant:

·         Using the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and shallots. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

·         Add the blanched eggplant and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5.    Combining and Finishing:

·         Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a gentle boil.  Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

·         Add the cooked shrimp (if using) back into the pan, mixing well with the sauce and eggplant.

6.    Garnishing and Serving:

·         Turn off the heat and sprinkle green onions and cilantro on top.

·         Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success:

• Cooking the Eggplant: Blanching helps reduce oil absorption, but if you prefer a creamier texture, you can pan-fry the eggplant.
• Texture Preference: If you like softer eggplant, extend the cooking time by a few minutes.

This Stir-Fried Miso Garlic Shrimp and Eggplant recipe offers a delightful balance of health, flavor, and versatility, making it a must-try for any meal plan!

PEACEFULNESS: A SIMPLE WAY OF LIVING

Peacefulness is not something distant or unattainable—it is a way of simple living, chosen voluntarily to bring more happiness and serenity into life.

Those who embrace this lifestyle often appear outwardly simple, but their inner life is rich and joyful.  They recognize two fundamental truths:

1.    There is no need to chase a consumer-driven lifestyle because true happiness comes from within.

2.    We must treat all people and living beings with fairness, as we share the priceless gifts of nature together.

1. Why is it unnecessary to chase material wealth to be happy?

Happiness does not come from possessing material goods but from inner peace.  This truth has been demonstrated in reality:

• In developed countries like the United States, despite rising income levels over generations, the percentage of people who feel happy remains unchanged at about one-third. Meanwhile, divorce rates have doubled, and teenage suicide rates have tripled.

When we pursue material wealth, we risk becoming enslaved by our possessions—homes, money, and other assets.  We will never feel satisfied because we will always desire more.  This insatiable craving leads to more suffering.

In contrast, happiness is not dependent on external circumstances; it is always present within us.  A notable example is Bhutan, a small nation nestled between India and China with a population of only 700,000.  Despite its modest per capita income, Bhutan boasts a high Gross National Happiness (GNH) index, illustrating that a simple lifestyle can lead to profound joy.

Choosing simplicity reduces unnecessary responsibilities and false material needs, allowing more time to nurture a rich spiritual life and greater peace of mind.

“Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln

2. Why should we treat all people and living beings fairly?

Every being, including humans, has an innate desire for happiness. If you have the right to pursue happiness, then all other living beings have that same right.  What grounds could justify treating them differently?

In today’s globalized world, we are deeply interconnected.  Your happiness depends on the happiness of others.

Consider this: we enjoy many conveniences such as clean water, fuel, paper, air conditioning, mobile phones, and vehicles, but these do not come solely from our own efforts.  They are gifts from nature and the collective contributions of many people, directly or indirectly.

Rather than focusing solely on individual benefits, we should think on a global scale and recognize our responsibility to protect the environment and sustain the natural balance.  A mindset of altruism and generosity will lead to greater happiness, as true happiness is found in sharing.

“The world would be a better place if we offered others even a fraction of the compassion we reserve for ourselves.” — Anonymous

Conclusion:

A simple and voluntary way of living frees us from the burdens we have placed on ourselves, giving us more time to spend with loved ones, relax, and pursue what we truly enjoy.

This concept of happiness through simplicity is not new.  From ancient times, the Bible, Buddhist philosophy, and Taoist teachings have all emphasized that happiness is not determined by material possessions or external circumstances.  Instead, sharing and connection are the keys to true joy.

Choose simplicity as a way of life, and let peacefulness become a gift to yourself and those around you.

Spicy Garlic Chicken

I like Thai food.  This dish is a perfect blend of heat and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.  The succulent chicken is marinated and then cooked to perfection in a spicy garlic sauce, resulting in a dish that's both tender and bursting with flavor. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty weeknight meal, this Spicy Garlic Chicken will surely impress. You can double or triple this recipe as you like.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1/2 lb. chicken breast, cut into thin strips

For the Marinade:

• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp cooking wine
• 2 tsp cornstarch

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp chili sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp chicken powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Thickening:

• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

Other Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp oil (for stir-frying)

To Be Served with:

• Steamed rice

Directions:

1.    Marinating the Chicken:

·         Combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch in a bowl.  Mix well and let it marinate for 1 hour.

2.    Preparing the Sauce:

·         In a small bowl, mix the chicken broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili sauce, sugar, chicken powder, and black pepper. Set aside.

3.    Cooking the Dish:

·         Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan or wok over medium heat.

·         Add minced garlic and chopped cilantro, stir-frying until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

·         Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken turns opaque.

4.    Simmering with Sauce:

·         Pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a boil.  Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.

5.    Thickening the Sauce (Optional):

·         Mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry.  Add it to the pan, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

6.    Serving:

·         Serve the Spicy Garlic Chicken over steamed rice, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Enjoy this flavorful, Thai-inspired dish!

Tips:

You can add the seasoning to your family's liking.  Add fresh Thai chili to make this dish as much heat as you want.