Braised Joi Choi with Cashews

The veggies!  They just keep coming!  Agreeing to take on a full share of veggies, instead of a more manageable half share is proving to become a bit of a challenge for just two people.  Thankfully, we have a recently welcomed a roommate into our abode, and are blessed with friends who never turn down a meal when offered.  And a dog who begs for carrots and spinach.  

To date, I've only had to discard one batch of pea tendrils that we were unable to get around to using.  

A beautiful head of joi choi was provided in our CSA box this week.  Unfamiliar with joi choi?  So was I.  Apparently this leafy green is a faster growing variety of bok choi.    Bring on the stir fry!


recipe courtesy of Driftless Organics

serves 2-3

The Ingredients:
1 head joi choi or bok choi 1 Tbsp oil 1 Tbsp ginger, minced 1 Tbsp fresh garlic, minced 1 tsp red pepper flakes ¼ c. white or rice wine 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 Tbsp rice vinegar 2 tsp honey or agaveBlack pepper to taste ¼ c cashews  
The Process:
Cut the bok choi stems into ½ inch slices and coarsely chop greens separately.  Heat oil in a wok or large cast iron pan.  Add bok choi stems and stir fry for 2-3 minutes.  Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes; saute until fragrant.  Add wine, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, black pepper.  Cover and  lower heat to medium-low; braise for about 4 minutes.  Add bok choi greens  and stir until wilted.  Sprinkle with chopped cashews  and serve with rice or  noodles.


The Review:
This was a straight forward and simple preparation...incredible fast to whip up, and very filling on its own.  The vinegar and rice wine made the greens a tad more acidic than I would have liked.  Next time around I'd likely reduce the wine a touch, use sesame oil exclusively and up the sweetener to 1 Tbsp.  Great side dish in a pinch, though!