We haven’t made an Asian meal in awhile! Tonight, I decided we were well past due at
Chez Recessionista and dove right in to one of my favorites – lo mein! (For the record, fried rice is also a fave
around these parts.)
When LeeLee called to say he was on his way home, I sprung
into action. I knew he was about 40
minutes away, which gave me plenty of time to get everything together! First, I boiled a package of lo mein noodles
in my trusty French oven, determined to keep this a one-pot meal. Once the noodles were finished, I drained
them and left them in the colander, which I carefully placed atop my dinner
plate so as not to dirty up another bowl or pot (again, bound and determined!).
As the noodles rested, I added some sesame oil to the bottom
of the pan and threw in a package of Gardein “beef” tips. As they began to heat up and brown, I added
several handfuls of snap peas (a favorite snack during football games, by the
way), and several more handfuls of shredded carrots. Next I tossed in a can of water chestnuts and
another half-can of bamboo shoots. I
specify a “half-can” because I confess I don’t really care for bamboo shoots, but LeeLee likes them, and so we split the
difference. All in the name of a happy
marriage, you know!
Once the vegetables and beef tips were heated through and
tender, I added the noodles back in, along with another splash of sesame oil, a
half-cup or so of veggie broth, some rice vinegar, and some chipotle
powder. I tossed the vegetables in with the
noodles thoroughly with my trusty tongs and brought the whole French oven to
the table!
And then: We ate. And
we ate well, friends. Each of us put away a couple of helpings
apiece and there was still plenty left over for lunch tomorrow! We loved the diversity of textures, from the
crisp-tender snap peas to the chewy, hearty beef tips to the slight bite of the
lo mein noodles. And the flavors were powerful
yet not overpowering – a wonderful example of Asian takeout made at home!
:)
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