Friday, September 30, 2011

Asian Rice

My recipe today is not really photogenic... It's not very spectacular either. But it's a little trick I learned a couple of months ago that takes virtually no time at all and makes such a difference!

I love doing stir fries during the week. They take virtually no time at all and have tons of flavor, even if you only stick with the basics of chili, ginger and garlic with your chosen ingredients. This method of rice preparation has completely won over my taste buds with any kind of Asian inspired main dish... Give it a try and you won't be disappointed!

For two portions of rice (don't worry, it's so easy to multiply...)

ingredients:
one clove of garlic, finely chopped
one cm of fresh ginger, (peeled, if so desired and) finely chopped
a little bit of oil
one cup of long grain rice of choice (I use basmati), rinsed until the water runs clear and drained
one cup of stock (your choice, I like the chicken)

1. Heat the oil in a pan over moderate heat. Add your garlic and ginger. Let them fry for a couple of minutes but make sure that the garlic doesn't turn brown. You don't want the bitter taste.
2. Add your rice and slowly mix the whole thing. Like with the first step of risotto, you want every kernel coated.
3. Add your stock and let it come to the boil. Lower the heat, put a lid on it and let it simmer for ten minutes.
4. Take the lid off, let the remaining fluid evaporate and fluff the rice up with a fork.

Enjoy with your stir fry of choice...

Monday, September 12, 2011

Julia's Chicken Wings

Visits are always a special occasion... Especially if a sister is coming to stay!

When I asked Julia what she felt like having for dinner, she messaged back "chicken wings".
Apparently this was a hint for us just to go to McDonalds.... Next time: Spell it out hon!

I went into chicken wing research overdrive and muddled up this version, which turned out quite tasty indeed.

Ingredients:
Ca. 12 chicken wings
3 tblsp garlic olive oil
1 tblsp maple sirup
1 small lemon, juiced
chili to taste, finely chopped
2 cm piece of fresh ginger, shredded
1 tbsp soy sauce
salt to taste

1. Mix all of the ingredients for the marinade together. Mix in the wings and make sure they are evenly coated. Let them stand for at least 15 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking sheet or a not too deep baking tray by lining it with aluminum foil (this will make the clean up ever so much easier). Spread out the wings in one layer and roast in the oven for 40 minutes.
3. Take them out of the oven and transfer to a serving platter with tongs (the foil might stick slightly). Enjoy!