| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 151 | 5g | 4g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 6g | 0.78g |
Furthermore, when my culinary inspiration turns toward the East, one dish that has become a standby in my kitchen is that wonderfully heartwarming Braised Chinese Mallow with Shiitake Mushrooms. Drawing on my deep roots in family, tradition and wholesome home cooking, this is much more than just another recipe to me.
Health and Heart in Every Dish
The health benefits of Chinese mallow and shiitake mushrooms extend as far and wide as its flavors. Chinese mallow, a green leafy vegetable, is known for its high nutrient content, including vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Coupled with vitamin D-rich shiitake mushrooms, this dish is a powerhouse of nutrition.
The Comfort of Home Cooking
Creating this dish takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where each meal was prepared with a hefty dose of love and a reverence for tradition. While the delicious blend of Chinese mallow with Shiitake mushrooms is a world away from the New England seafood and Irish comfort food of my childhood, it encapsulates the same devotion to flavor and authenticity that define my heritage.
Given its robust and distinctive flavors, this dish pairs well with simple steamed rice or noodles. You could also try it alongside some roasted tofu for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Preparing this recipe, I’m reminded of Laura and our son, and how every burst of flavor or aroma fills our home with warmth – truly a food-lover’s paradise.
More Than A Recipe
More than just a wholesome and flavorful recipe, Braised Chinese Mallow with Shiitake Mushrooms represents my ongoing culinary journey, fusing the familiar with the new, the traditional with the innovative. Its mix of health, heart and heritage makes it one of my absolute favorites.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of fresh Chinese mallow
- 12 dried shiitake mushrooms
- 3 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water (optional)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by rehydrating the dried shiitake mushrooms. Place them in a bowl and cover with 3 cups of water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes or until they are soft.
Step Two
While the mushrooms are soaking, wash and prepare the Chinese mallow. Cut off any tough ends and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Step Three
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté until they start to brown and become fragrant.
Step Four
Drain the soaked shiitake mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Slice the rehydrated mushrooms and add them to the wok with the garlic and ginger. Sauté for a few more minutes until the mushrooms have started to brown.
Step Five
Add the Chinese mallow to the wok, along with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step Six
Pour in the reserved mushroom soaking liquid and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the wok, and let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes or until the Chinese mallow is tender.
Step Seven
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour this into the wok and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Step Eight
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the braised Chinese mallow with shiitake mushrooms hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
