| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 16g | 2g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 4g | 5g | 1.5g |
Growing up in the heart of Southern charm in Charleston, South Carolina, my culinary compass has been steeped in traditional flavors and classic comfort food. While I am a lover of biscuits, fried chicken and everything Southern, my heart always holds room for unique and unexpected dishes that break away from my routine. The Asian Stir-Fry with Nigella Seeds is one such recipe that I hold near and dear.
The Allure of East Meets West
What fascinates me about the Asian Stir-Fry with Nigella Seeds recipe is the delightful fusion of Oriental and Western influence. Nigella seeds, often found in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, bring in the Eastern element while the use of tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya adds an exciting, paradisiacal twist.
The journey of flavors and textures simply doesn’t end there. The smoky aroma of sesame oil, the sweet crispiness of bell peppers, and the savory hint of low-sodium soy sauce all contribute to a dish that’s irresistibly inviting. With each bite, you experience a melody of flavors that reminds you of the exciting union of the East and the West.
Healthful and Wholesome
Aside from being an adventurous piece on your palate, this recipe is packed with powerful, health-boosting ingredients. Onions and garlic offer potent antioxidant properties, while fruits like pineapple and mango are chock full of vitamins and fiber. Nigella seeds, or black cumin, are also known for their wealth of health benefits including potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
To tie it all together, the use of low-sodium soy sauce and the omission of processed sugars mean that this dish is not only flavorful, but also mindful of your dietary needs.
If you are a fan of sweet and savory dishes like Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken, this recipe will surely be a hit in your kitchen. And if you’re fond of enjoying a comprehensive feast, this vibrant stir-fry will go perfectly alongside a traditional fried chicken or steaming biscuits.
Exploring different cuisines and marrying flavors is an enjoyable pursuit – and this recipe offers just that. Regardless of whether you’re a Southern belle like me or someone whose taste buds are always on a culinary expedition, this Asian Stir-Fry with Nigella Seeds will surely have a special place in your heart and your dining table.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of nigella seeds
- 1/2 cup of chopped onions
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cups of mixed fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya, cubed
- 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of cold water
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
Method
Step One
Start by heating up the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add nigella seeds. Stir for a minute until you can smell its aroma.
Step Two
Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Monitor the heat to make sure the onions don’t burn.
Step Three
Next, add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry them until they’re slightly softened, which should take around 5 minutes.
Step Four
Now, it’s time to add the mixed fruits to the pan. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, until they’re slightly warm and their natural juices start to release.
Step Five
Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Step Six
In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water until it forms a smooth slurry. Pour this into the pan, stirring constantly to incorporate it into the sauce and thicken it up. This should take about 2 minutes.
Step Seven
Add chopped fresh cilantro, salt to taste, and lime juice into the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute.
Step Eight
Your Asian Stir-Fry with Nigella Seeds is now ready to serve. Enjoy it hot, preferably over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
