Stir-fried Ground Turkey with Basil Leaves

This is a very popular dish for Thai people because most are also sold on the streets when you travel to Thailand.  Usually, Thai people will use pork or minced beef to make this dish, and Thai basil leaves have a spicy taste that enhances this dish.  However, because I do not like to eat beef, I replaced it with ground turkey so that this dish is more nutritious without the beef's fat increasing the body's cholesterol level.  Thai basil leaves are not easy to find in food stores in the US, so you can use Italian basil leaves and add a little chili when the dish is finished.

Ingredients:

150 grams of minced meat

5 garlic cloves

1 piece ginger, sliced

2 hot chilies, sliced

1/2 tsp black peppercorns

2 kaffir lime slices

1/2 cup basil leaves

3 tbsp oil

Sauce ingredients:

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp mushroom seasoning

1/4 cup water

Directions:

Peel the garlic and slice half of the garlic.  Mince the other half.

If you use black peppercorn, mince it.  Mix the minced garlic, chopped chili, ginger, and peppercorns.

Use a bowl to mix all the sauce ingredients separately.

Add oil to a wok and heat over medium heat.  Sauté the ginger, garlic, and peppercorn mixture and the kaffir leaves until fragrant. Add the turkey and stir-fry until cooked through.  Stir in the sauce and mix well.  Adjust for your taste.  Add the half-slice of garlic and toss to mix well.  Turn off the heat and add the basil.

Serve over the rice.

Live Without Causing Suffering to Others

Everyone fears suffering.  Therefore, strive to live in a way that does not bring suffering to others.  This simple principle reflects the essence of Buddhist teachings and a life of deep understanding.

If we live without causing pain to others, then, should there be a next life, the place we return to will surely be better.  On the contrary, if we live recklessly, following only personal desires without regard for moral values, we are no better than animals—living instinctually, ignoring the ethical standards of Buddhism.

The Dual Meaning of "LIKE"

The word "LIKE" in this context carries two distinct meanings:

1.    Living "like" what one desires: Following instincts, with no self-control or discernment of right and wrong.

2.    Seeing the world "as it is": Understanding reality, accepting truth, and living in harmony with cause and effect.

When we perceive life as it truly is, we stop chasing after what we "like," as our preferences are often shaped by greed and ignorance.

The Importance of Understanding the Dharma

In a dharma talk, Venerable Toại Khanh emphasized the importance of understanding Buddhist teachings with clarity.  He used a vivid metaphor: to allow water to penetrate the waxy surface of taro leaves, the leaves must first be bruised.  Similarly, we sometimes need to face uncomfortable truths to awaken our understanding.

Humans, unlike animals, have the capacity to discern right from wrong through their senses and intellect.  However, many choose to live driven by instinct, as it feels easier and more comfortable.

Living with Assumptions

What if there is a next life?  What if realms beyond human existence do exist?  A wise person lives with these possibilities in mind.  Scientific progress relies on hypotheses, experimentation, and the willingness to accept failure.  Conversely, a world devoid of hypothetical thinking is a stagnant, unenlightened one.

Four Ways to Approach Suffering:

1.    Escaping suffering: Avoiding what we dislike and chasing what we desire.

2.    Doing good to seek rewards: Engaging in virtuous acts, keeping moral precepts, and serving others to accumulate merit.

3.    Practicing meditation: Using focus and mindfulness to transcend life’s sorrows.

4.    Understanding the root of suffering: Recognizing the origins of pain and breaking free from the cycle of meaningless existence.

Preparing for death:

The venerable monk reminded us that life is ultimately a preparation for death.  To face this reality, we must confront three great fears:

1.    The fear of painful illness.

2.    The fear of frailty in old age.

3.    The fear of death coming with panic and regret.

When we depart this life, we cannot take possessions or relationships with us.  Only our "spiritual capital" will shape how we perceive and transition from this world.

Living Mindfully:

Let us live with mindfulness and nurture authentic values.  By doing so, when death arrives, we can leave this life in peace.

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This translation preserves the essence of Venerable Toại Khanh’s teachings while organizing the message for clarity and coherence. You can go to his web address sutoaikhanh.com to learn more of his teaching in his own way.

Oatmeal Cheese Pancake

Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth.  They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.  Most recipes use oatmeal for breakfast, and some make bread, cake, or cookies.  I have this healthy recipe for pancakes using oatmeal.  You can add the vegetables, meat, and sausages of your choice. 

Ingredients:

1 cup oatmeal

1 cup total combination of diced cabbage, onion, and bell peppers

1 cup hot milk

1 egg

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cheese of your choice

Oil for pan-frying

Directions:

Soak oatmeal with hot milk or water for an hour.

Add egg and mix well; add diced vegetables.

Season the oatmeal mixture with salt and black pepper.

In a nonstick pan, add 1 tsp of oil to each pancake is one the pancake mixture as you desire.  Fry on low heat until the pancake is golden brown; turn the pancake to cook the other side, then add the cheese.  Cover the pan and let it cook until the cheese is melted.

 Enjoy!!

Mixed Sauce for Dry Noodles Recipe

The Vietnamese cuisine offers various noodle dishes, dehydrated noodles with flavorful sauces, and a bowl of soup broth.  The sauce for dry noodles is unique and essential.  It is packed with the rich aromas of fried garlic and onions and complemented by other pantry staples.  This versatile sauce can also double as a marinade for quick braises, making it a kitchen essential.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp mushroom powder
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 3 tbsp chili sauce
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 cup water

Directions:

1.    Sautéing the aromatics: Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat.  Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots, and stir-fry until fragrant and golden.

2.    Combining ingredients: Add dark and light soy sauces, ketchup, sugar, mushroom bouillon powder, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, pepper, and water.

3.    Simmering the sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.  Adjust seasoning to your taste.

4.    Straining and storing: Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool. Strain it to remove solids, allowing for more extended storage.  Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Making Garlic Oil for Topping:

Enhance your dry noodles with fried garlic and garlic oil for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/4 cup minced garlic

Directions:

1.    Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.  Add the minced garlic and cook until it turns golden brown.

2.    Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.  Strain the oil, keeping the fried garlic separate for a topping.

Tips:

• Drizzle garlic oil and sprinkle fried garlic over your noodles for an irresistible aroma and flavor.
• This sauce pairs wonderfully with hủ tiếu (Vietnamese dry noodles) or any dry noodle dish you love.
• This site had sauce for vegans.  You can use oyster sauce instead of hoisin sauce.