DESPITE Australia’s reputation as a wealthy country, food insecurity is a reality for an increasing number of families. According to data, more than one in five people are running out of food.
The first thing that popped into my head when I read that is “how can I help?”. I saw the connection of what I’m trying to achieve with this food column every week.
Information is key to reducing the stress of families when it comes to food. This year I saw Australian legend Stephanie Alexander talk about food in a conversation with Adam Liaw.
One of the things that Stephanie said that really caught my attention, was complaining that the problem with food in this country is that the media always base their money, time and efforts on showcasing the high end of this profession, the expensive restaurants, the drama of TV cooking shows, etc. But they never help Australians with their fears and anxieties when it comes to cooking for their family with little time or money. You know? I definitely couldn’t agree more, and I LOVED the fact that she decided to say it in public.
Unfortunately there is a real choice that many people have in this country: choose fast food convenience instead of cooking at home. They are missing the opportunity and pleasure of creating food for the people they love, which is one of the biggest bonds we can offer to our youngest generation.
So today I’m going to share a really useful recipe/technique that can be made with any ingredients you have in the fridge: I’m talking about stir frys. This is a method of cooking that fries any veggies or protein with a small amount of hot oil in a wok.
As you know, I really respect traditions, mine as a Spaniard of course, but I do as well with any other cultures. So instead of thinking about the correct Chinese ingredients, please bear with me, and think about the method of cooking instead of the names of recipes you already know.
Today I’m suggesting something different, using a normal frypan at home. And most importantly, you can use anything you have in the fridge. Serve it with long-grain white rice and you will feed your family a nutritionally balanced meal in a really cheap way.
Take this as a standard recipe, but you can vary it as much as you want, depending on what you can buy this week, what you have in the freezer, etc. Change one protein for another one, use these vegetables instead of another one, use frozen veggies if you need them, etc.. be fearless and creative! They are fun, fast and delicious!
Easy stir-fry ingredients:
– White long-grain rice (50g per person)
– Garlic, chopped small
– Olive oil if you have.
– Any protein, chopped small (depending on what you have)
– Vegetables, chopped small (doesn’t matter what you have)
– 3 eggs, make an omelet and chop it small.
– Splash of soy sauce
– Optional: chili if you like it or have it.
Method:
1. In a frying pan, cook the long-grain rice according to the info on the package, using the absorption method.
2. Chop every ingredient the same size (protein and vegetables).
3. In a second frying pan turn it on high heat and add a bit of oil and your protein.
4. Once the protein is cooked, add one veggie at a time, stirring it constantly.
5. Put all the mixed protein and veggies on the side and add a bit of oil in the center plus the chopped garlic (or ginger if you have it). Cook it until changes color and mix it up quickly with the rest of the mix.
6. Turn it off and add a splash of soy sauce and stir everything together (don’t overdo it please or it will be very salty). Note: if you like chili you can add it too.
7. Serve the stir-fry with a bowl of delicious fluffy rice.