Yunnan Greens

By á-170456

Ingredients

• 1 pound bok choy or Shanghai bok choy (5 to 8 heads)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 2 Thai dried red chiles
• 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/2 cup mild vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in
• 2 tablespoons water

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Place a large pot of water on to boil. Meanwhile, cut the bok choy lengthwise into thirds or quarters and place in a sink full of cold water to soak for several minutes. Wash thoroughly to get any dirt out of the base of the stalks.

When the water is boiling, add about 1 tablespoon salt, bring back to the boil, and add the bok choy. Stir with a long-handled wooden spoon to make sure all the greens are immersed. Bring back to a boil, boil for under a minute, drain, and set aside.

Heat a large wok over high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the wok. Toss in the chiles and ginger. Stir briefly, then add the greens and stir-fry for 30 seconds, pressing them against the sides of the wok to sear them a little. Add the broth and let it boil for about 30 seconds.

Stir the cornstarch paste well, then add it together with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir-fry for another 15 to 30 seconds, turn out onto a small platter, and serve. (Warn your guests that the chiles are not for eating, just for flavor.)

This recipe yields 4 servings as one of several dishes in a meal.