I'd like to believe Alicia Silverstone would be proud. I am by no means ready to go macro...but this makes me optimistic.
This is a meal that should please any palate that likes asian cuisine (especially sushi). Why you ask? Because the main ingredients is seaweed! I seriously can't get over how good this is dearies...and healthy.
Anyone impressed with my presentation skills? No? Okay then, moving on...
; )
Lemongrass-Scented Arame and Bok Choy Salad
1 cup brown rice
1 oz arame (a large handful...or half a pkg in my case)
1/2 cup carrot, cut into bite-size matchsticks
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp shoyu or tamari
2 stalks lemongrass
2 tbs sesame seeds, toasted
3 heads baby bok choy (reg bok choy would work too)
1 stalk lemongrass
1 tbs rice vinegar (reduced sodium if possible)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp shoyu or tamari
Directions
1. Boil water. Lots of it (Let's be real; I don't measure out my water when I cook rice! Psh...) Add in rice and cook at a moderate boil, uncovered, for 35 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, soak arame in enough water (room temp will do the trick) to cover for 5 minutes. Cut up carrots.
3. Heat 1 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Add some green onions and saute 1-2 minutes if your heart desires (too bad I didn't grab any at Sprouts today!) Add carrots to the pan, and then cover with arame. Drizzle tamari/shoyu over veggies. Do not stir. Cover with just enough water to submerge the carrots but leave the arame uncovered. Toss in 2 lemongrass stalks. If you're smart, you'll discard the outer layer of the lemongrass stalk, peel the rest of the layers for use in the water, and mince the soft center to add the the salad. (I did not do this...still good, but I bet more lemongrass flavor would be glorious) Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Once rice is dried, transfer to a serving bowl big enough to mix all ingredients. Toss sesame seeds into the rice pot and toast over medium heat for a couple minutes. Add seeds to rice.
8. Mix together rice vinegar, sesame oil, and shoyu and add to the salad. Toss to combine and serve.
Enjoy!
Serves 3.